Tom Brady‘s return to New England has understandably overshadowed everything else about Week 4’s Sunday night game, but it also marks Rob Gronkowski‘s first matchup with the Patriots since being traded. But Brady’s wingman is not looking likely to suit up.
Gronkowski did not practice this week, and the Buccaneers listed the future Hall of Fame tight end as doubtful to face the Patriots. Bruce Arians is willing to play Gronk without him having practiced, however, calling him a game-time decision, via ESPN.com’s Jenna Laine (on Twitter).
A rib injury sustained in Los Angeles represents Gronkowski’s first setback with the Bucs, though he obviously endured numerous injury issues with the Patriots.
Gronk’s first Bucs season featured the tight end bouncing back with a 20-game campaign. He caught two touchdowns in Super Bowl LV, collecting his fourth ring, and hauled in four TD passes from Brady through two games this year. Should the 32-year-old tight end not be able to go Sunday, it would be his 31st missed regular-season game as a pro. Gronkowski re-signed with the Bucs this offseason but has not committed to extending his unretirement beyond this season.
The Bucs are rather well-equipped to handle a Gronk absence, with the team hanging onto trade-rumor mainstay O.J. Howard and keeping Cameron Brate as well. Antonio Brown is also back to join Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as options for Brady in his Foxborough return.
Wasn’t it Gronk’s ribs that were injured?
Guess who’s Back! He’s going to light up the Pats!