The New England Patriots, quarterback Tom Brady and fans around the league (including lots of fantasy football fans) have big hopes for oft-injured tight end Rob Gronkowski this season. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Gronk’s chances of playing Week One are currently sitting at 50/50.
Florio states the following
Gronkowski’s fairly slow start to camp has made it seem like much less than a sure thing.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Gronkowski’s anticipated Week One availability sits at 50-50, with perhaps a shade above the even-money proposition.
No doubt it would be crushing news to the Patriots if he were to miss the beginning of the season. Gronk, who has shown he’s one of the most dangerous weapons in the league when healthy, has dealt with injury after injury over the past few years and can’t seem to get back to full strength.
It’s getting to the point where his long-term health problems have be a concern for the Patriots’ front office. Is this situation more of a cautionary approach to keeping Gronk healthy early in the season, so he is healthy down the stretch? Or is the frustration fuse getting closer to the end?
The Patriots are easy favorites in the AFC East this year. The New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills don’t seem remotely close to being considered serious contenders for the division crown. For example, multiple media outlets covering the Bills’ training camp are talking about the struggles in training camp, specifically second year quarterback E.J. Manuel.
From a fantasy football standpoint, it might be time to re-name the “Todd Heap Injury Report” to the “Rob Gronkowski Injury Report.”
You almost want to feel bad for Tom Brady. (I said “almost”….see below)
Photo: Boston Herald