Anyone who has followed the Patriots this season could have probably guessed for themselves that tight end Rob Gronkowski would be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Saints.
The Patriots won’t show their hand one way or the other on Friday about Gronkowski’s status, although PFT has reported on Friday that the optimism about his ability to play has diminished since the early part of the week. We’ll have to wait to find out whether he’ll make his 2013 debut, although there will be no need for patience when it comes to defensive tackle Tommy Kelly’s status.
Kelly has been ruled out of Sunday’s game because of the knee injury that knocked him out late in last week’s loss to the Bengals. With Kelly and Vince Wilfork out, the Patriots will turn to Joe Vellano, Chris Jones and Andre Neblett in the middle of the defensive line against New Orleans.
Running back Leon Washington has also been ruled out with a knee injury. Running backs Brandon Bolden and Stevan Ridley are both questionable, which could mean a heavy dose of LeGarrette Blount if things don’t break the right way for New England.