Patriots' Julian Edelman leaves practice early on Tuesday

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, who came off the physically unable to perform list Sunday, took himself out of Tuesday's practice with the New Orleans Saints in what appears to be an injury related to his surgically repaired left foot.

Edelman threw his helmet in disgust as he walked to head athletic trainer Jim Whalen before sitting on the back of a cart. Edelman took his left shoe off as he sat on the back of the cart, with Whalen examining him. Whalen was later seen on his cellphone as he stood next to Edelman.

Edelman, who has looked exceptionally quick in practice, later laced up his shoe and walked off the field slowly under his own power as practice continued.

Edelman had undergone offseason surgery on his left foot after initially injuring it Nov. 15, 2015, in a game against the New York Giants. He missed the final seven games of the regular season before returning for the playoffs.

When Edelman returned for the playoffs, he knew a second surgery was possible in the offseason to secure the area around the screw in his foot. His availability for the start of the 2016 season, however, was never considered in question.

Defensive end Rob Ninkovich also left Tuesday's practice early, walking off on his own power. The Patriots' medical staff appeared to be looking at his triceps area. His status is unclear.