Rob Gronkowski reportedly expected to play in Week 12

The New England Patriots chose to hold Rob Gronkowski out for two games leading up to their bye in hopes of getting him healthy for the stretch run, and it sounds like it may have worked.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Gronkowski is expected to play next week when the Patriots travel to New York to face the Jets.

After missing three of the past four games with a lingering back injury, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is expected to be able to play in New England’s next game after Sunday’s bye against the New York Jets, per sources. More on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 18, 2018

Gronkowski has been battling back and ankle injuries for several weeks, the former of which is particularly concerning given that he has had multiple back surgeries in the past. There was at least one game this season where questions were raised about his focus, but it seems like Gronk has been playing at less than 100 percent throughout most of the season.

The Patriots struggled to get much going offensively against the Tennessee Titans last week, and not having Gronkowski on the field had a lot to do with that. The star tight end has not scored a touchdown in the past six games he has played in, which is the longest drought of his career.