Reports Say The Gronk May Be Back This Week

Associated Press

Several outlets cited unnamed league sources to say that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will probably be cleared to play in Game 6 against the Saints this Sunday. And isn’t that a sentence for sore eyes?

“While it’s not definite that he’ll play, it’s likely,” reports Pro Football Talk, citing “a league source.” USA Today also calls his return “likely,” citing a person with knowledge of the situation. And the Patriots are “optimistic” that doctors will clear him, says ESPN, also citing league sources. Add  it all up, and we’d say it’s likely … that the Patriots think its likely that Rob Gronkowski will play on Sunday.

The Gronk has been notably absent while recovering from back surgery this season, leaving Tom Brady to make due with a relatively green group of receivers in the first five games of the season. With the Patriots eking out a 4-0 record to open things, it seemed sensible to give Gronk as much time to recover as he needed, but with last week’s loss to Cincinnati and a matchup with the undefeated Saints staring us down, his absence is being felt a bit more keenly. Citing our own sources, Boston magazine is ready to report that his return to the field will likely be greeted enthusiastically by fans.