New England Patriots don’t expect Rob Gronkowski to debut vs Saints

Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) prepares to catch the ball while being defended by Houston Texans line backer Barrett Ruud (54) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Gronkowski re-injured his arm on the play and did not return to the game. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been reported multiple times over the previous weeks that All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski was set to debut for the New England Patriots, only to be ruled-out just a day or two before the team’s game kicked-off.

So it comes as no surprise that’s the case again this week:

ESPN's Ed Werder reports the Patriots no longer expect Rob Gronkowski (back, questionable) to play in Week 6 against the Saints.
— Nathan Zegura (@NathanZegura) October 11, 2013

And this full report from ESPN:

"Despite fully participating in another week of practices, the New England Patriots don’t expect tight end Rob Gronkowski to play Sunday against the undefeated New Orleans Saints, league sources told ESPN’s Ed Werder.Gronkowski, recovering after a series of surgeries on his fractured forearm and ailing back, still has not been cleared to play by Dr. James Andrews, according to ESPN and media reports.Gronkowski also still has not been cleared by Dr. Jesse Jupiter, who performed the latest forearm surgery on Gronkowski, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter and Werder."