Rob Gronkowski unlikely to play in Week 4
By Josh Sanchez
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is getting closer to his return to the field, but it seems highly unlikely that his time will come in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. Gronkowski has been a limited participant in the team’s practices on Wednesday and Thursday, and a a league source has informed Pro Football Talk that the likelihood Gronkowski will play this weekend is “currently is not optimistic.”
Gronkowski will officially be listed as questionable for the upcoming game and will be considered a game-time decision, but the most likely scenario is that he will not be active for the game.
While Gronk is expected to miss another game, he could be on track for a Week 5 return against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The team has been working to get their star tight end back on the field to help provide a boost in the passing attack — specifically the red zone — but they will need to be patient with Gronkowski as he works back to full healthy following offseason arm and back surgeries.