The New England Patriots have labeled Rob Gronkowski a game-time decision for Thursday night’s showdown with the Houston Texans, but the star tight has reportedly told teammates he plans to play.
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe considers Gronkowski “likely” to suit up and notes that he has told others in the locker room that his 2016 season debut will come against Houston.
With the Patriots’ quarterback situation looking quite rough, this would be a good time for Gronkowski to return from the tweaked hamstring he has been battling. Whether it’s Jimmy Garoppolo or rookie Jacoby Brissett under center, Gronk is generally the most important piece of New England’s offensive game plan. Julian Edelman has stepped up over the first two weeks, but the Patriots need Gronkowski to open things up and take pressure off their inexperienced quarterbacks.
How badly do the Patriots need Gronk to play? They could probably find a way to win without him if they put together another tremendous game plan, but just think about who the backup quarterback for the game is expected to be. The Pats have a much better chance of improving to 3-0 if Gronkowski suits up.
