Stop us if you have heard this before — New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is expected to play against the New York Jets this Sunday. The same was said of Gronk’s status before last week’s game against the New Orleans Saints, and we know how that turned out. This time, however, the word has come directly from Gronkowski’s agent Drew Rosenhaus.
“Rob has now been cleared by all his doctors to play Sunday in the Jets game,” Rosenhaus reportedly told Pro Football Talk on Friday morning.
Unless Rosenhaus is creating even more drama, this should end what has been an annoying roller coaster for the Patriots and their fans through the first six games of the season. Last week, a number of varying reports surfaced regarding Gronk’s health. There was speculation that some of Gronkowski’s teammates were growing frustrated with him for being able to go hard in practice and not suiting up on game day. His mother later said he is “dying to play” and is bothered by the fact that he had to sit out.
And then there was the report about money being a factor in Gronkowski’s decision to not return, which is always a great way to raise the blood pressure of a fan base. Assuming what Rosenhaus said is true, doctors must be confident Gronk’s surgically-repaired forearm and back have fully healed.
It would not be a surprise if Gronkowski’s snaps are limited against the Jets, though he should instantly help New England’s offense even if they are. The Patriots have struggled to come away with touchdowns in the red zone, and Gronk is one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets inside the 10-yard line. It would be tough to imagine Gronkowski not giving his team an immediate boost.
