Wes Welker is being phased out of the Patriots' punt-returning plans but not due to any fault of his own. Rather, the Pats are merely being cautious with the NFL's 2007-08 combined receptions leader, who has been banged up through the preseason. However, it makes the decision a lot easier when rookie WR Julian Edelman, who has also been dinged up of late, has shown so much promise in the role. Source: Pro Football Weekly