ESPN: Not realistic that Rob Gronkowski will play for New England Patriots in Week 1

Jul 30, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski signs autographs for fans during training camp at the practice fields of Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s been unlikely that New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski would suit up for Week 1, but there was some flailing hope Gronk could work a minor miracle and be ready for the Patriots season opener.

That’s ‘unrealistic’ according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter who said on NFL Insiders that Gronkowski will not be ready to play for the Patriots come Week 1.

Per NESN:

"Adam Schefter said “It’s not realistic to expect Rob Gronkowski to play in the Patriots’ season opener,” on ESPN’s NFL Insiders. Schefter said the Patriots are still deciding whether to start Gronkowski on the PUP list. If Gronkowski starts the season on the physically unable to perform list, he’ll have to miss at least the first six weeks of the season. After Week 6, the tight end can come off the PUP to practice and play in games."

If Gronk is unable to go for the opener, it’s likely he’ll miss the first six weeks of the season as mentioned above, so Zach Sudfeld would be the most likely candidate to take over his starting spot.

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