With each passing week, reports will intensify regarding whether Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will play. By opting not to put Gronkowski on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, which would have shut him down for six weeks of the regular season, the Pats sent a strong signal that he’ll be playing before Week Six.
He has missed two games, and now ESPN reports that Gronkowski is 50-50 to play in Week Three against the Bucs.
As we hear it, Gronk remains closer to doubtful, which under the NFL’s injury reporting rules means he has a 25-percent chance of playing. (For each of the team’s first two games, Gronkowski officially was listed as doubtful.)
Gronkowski, who had multiple offseason surgeries to repair a twice-broken arm and the ensuing infection, had back surgery in June. With each passing week, he likely moves closer to 100 percent.
Whether he gets there in Week Three, Week Four, or Week Five remains to be seen. If he doesn’t get there by Week Six, then the Pats will have wasted a roster spot on a guy who could have stayed on the PUP list.