Rob Gronkowski now doubtful to make debut this week

Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) exits the field after he game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 28-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

He’s in, or he’s out.

That’s what it ultimately comes down to for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and whether he’ll play Sunday vs the Cincinnati Bengals or not.

Not the flurry of “insider” reports that have been coming out for what seems like the entire season thus far.

Every week, there’s been reports to suggest Gronkowski was set to return from multiple offseason surgeries to his forearm and back, only to see him end up not playing.

Yesterday, the Patriots cut backup TE Zach Sudfeld, and with there already having been earlier reports this week Gronkowski was set to play vs the Bengals, the return of Gronk looked imminent.

It now looks as though he won’t play:

One person familiar with Patriots' thinking said he's "not confident" TE Rob Gronkowski will play Sunday vs. Cincinnati.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 4, 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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