The return of a reliable receiver in New England could happen sooner than expected. The Patriots listed tight end Rob Gronkowski as questionable on this week’s injury report. He’s listed as doubtful the last two weeks.
Rob Gronkowski was limited in Patriots practice this week while recovering from back and forearm injuries. After a stress filled first two weeks of the season, New England fans could use all the hope they can.
A number of injuries and mishaps have limited who Tom Brady can throw the ball to. In the first two games of the season Brady has had to rely almost exclusively on Julian Edelman. Edelman is good, but he’s no Danny Amendola, Wes Welker, or Rob Gronkowski .
If Gronksowki can return, he will add the offensive spark the Patriots are looking for. Last season New Engalnd led the league in scoring. This season they consider themselves lucky to get in the endzone.
Gronkowksi is a major piece of the Patriots offensive puzzle. In his first three seasons in the NFL, he has arguably becomes the league’s premiere tight end. In 2011 he set an NFL record for touchdowns by a tight end with 17.
In 2012, Gronkowski was limited to 11 games because of injuries and still racked up 790 yards while catching 11 touchdowns.
This year the Patriots are 2-0 but could easily be 0-2. The scores have been that close. Week one they beat the Bills 23-21 and week two they beat the Jets 13-10. This Sunday they play the Buccaneers, another team that plays tight games.
Rob Gronkowski probably won’t be able to play Sunday, but his injury report upgrade is promising for the coming weeks. The Patriots will just have to find a way to scrape by until then.
Of course, when Tom Brady is your quarterback, you tend to find ways to win.
Do you think Rob Grownkowski will play Sunday?
[image via Wikimedia Commons }