I think a good punt return can be just as impactful, if not moreso, than a big reception. I don't see why we should remove that weapon from arsenal to avoid 4-5 plays in the average game where Edelman might get hurt. Unless someone else (who can justify their existence on the roster in another way too) can be as dynamic, I keep Edelman there. Doesn't have to be all the time though, they can rotate other guys in for lower leverage situations, or times when it's unlikely we're going to get a return at all. But I want Edelman returning punts until someone proves they're better at it.
The good news for those hoping we pull him from the role, is that his absence in camp has given the coaching staff plenty of opportunity to look at other candidates. If someone IS going to unseat Edelman for PR duties, we'll find him. If no one seizes this chance, it would be detrimental to the team to replace him purely out of caution.