How big Rob Gronkowski return is for New England Patriots

By Jason Marcum | Sep 17, 2013

Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrate a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

But that doesn’t mean this Patriots team can’t contend for a Super Bowl. IT just means they need their best player back and healthy if they want to have any hopes of holding the Lombardi Trophy at season’s end.

So how big exactly would getting Gronkowski be?

Rob Gronkowski 50-50 chance of returning this weekend. Patriots TE rank last in NFL in receptions, yards & drop % and 31st in targets
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 17, 2013

In 2011, his last healthy season, Gronkowski became the first tight end to lead the league in receiving touchdowns, and broke the receiving yards record by a tight end in a single-season with 1,327 yards.

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