Everyone appeared to believe that New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski would return to action this weekend against the New Orleans Saints, but today their is less optimism than there was earlier in the week as Gronkowski still awaits clearance from doctors.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter passed along the news on Friday morning:

There is less optimism today than there was earlier this week that Rob Gronkowski will play Sunday vs. New Orleans. Still not cleared by Dr.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2013

There were also reports that there is “serious concern” about the integrity of the bone in Gronkowski’s arm that underwent three surgeries, so there is plenty of uncertainty surrounding Gronkowski’s status for Week 6.

If Gronkowski is not cleared for this weekend’s game, then the drama will continue to build about when he can return.

The Gronk saga has been a roller coaster ride throughout the past few weeks and it looks like it will continue that way at least until Sunday’s match up with the Saints.