Jesse Reed
The New England Patriots could see Rob Gronkowski return to the lineup after he missed last week’s game with a lung injury. According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, Gronkowski has made a lot of progress the past couple of days and is now a “true game-time decision.”
The tight end is recovering from a perforated lung that kept him from traveling west last weekend when the Patriots beat the San Francisco 49ers, 30-17. The injury stemmed from a hit by Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas — one Gronkowski said was one of the biggest hits he’s ever taken (more on that here).
Getting Gronk back certainly would help the Patriots beat their AFC East rival, the New York Jets. Even if he’s not a huge factor stats wise, opposing defenses must account for Gronk at all times with at least a couple of defenders keeping eyeballs on the dynamic tight end. Having him in the lineup makes the entire offense more potent.
So far this year, Gronkowski has racked up 25 receptions for 540 yards (21.6 yards per reception!) and three touchdowns, playing in seven games.
