The New England Patriots may be getting their All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski back this week, but it remains unclear as to if or how much he’ll play.
Quarterback Tom Brady likely won’t have his only other reliable receiving threat to go against the Atlanta Falcons this week. Receiver Danny Amendola has only played one full game with Brady, but after Amendola injured his groin in the Week 1 win over the Buffalo Bills, he hasn’t returned to the field since, and likely won’t again this Sunday:
Per source, Danny Amendola not likely for Sunday, but wouldn't completely rule out. Better shot next week in Cincy
— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) September 25, 2013
Rookies Josh Boyce, Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins will once again be counted on to step-up for Brady, but this week vs the Falcons will be their biggest test thus far.
The three rookies haven’t done much through two weeks, and against a Falcons offense that will force the Pats to score more than the 23, 20, and 23-point performances they’ve had through their first three games, they’ll have to step-up this week to keep the Pats among the NFL’s unbeaten.