Report: Rob Gronkowski Targeting A Week 6 Return

Update:

Jay Glazer reports that Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski may not return until Week 6’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

• According to Glazer, it’s Gronkowski’s back and not his foreman that has been issue.

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Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is “hearing” that the Patriots and TE Rob Gronkowski are on the same page regarding his status, despite reports from earlier today that suggested there could be a disagreement between the two parties.

Florio adds that New England could be using Gronkowski’s status as a way to confuse opposing teams during their preparation.

The Patriots elected to not place Gronk on their PUP list before the start of the regular season, which would have kept him out for a six weeks. If he’s able to return in Week 5, it would at least justify this move to some extent.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that people who have seen Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski practice in recent weeks are “baffled why he has not yet appeared in a game this season.”

“Gronkowski has gone through the past two weeks of practice running around, catching touchdown passes and practicing like he would play, even taking hits and getting tackled during practice, according to sources. Those who have watched him the past two weeks insist Gronkowski looks like he’s absolutely ready to play — and are baffled why he has not yet appeared in a game this season. Patriots players have been waiting and wondering what the holdup is.“

Schefter adds that Gronkowski’s inner circle want to ensure that he’s fully recovered from the five offseason surgeries he underwent in the past year.

Meanwhile, Jason La Canfora reports that part of the problem can be attributed to the fact that Gronkowski doesn’t trust the Patriots doctor given all of the surgery he’s been forced to undergo.

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Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports that there is a “disagreement” between the Patriots and TE Rob Gronkowski regarding whether or not he’s ready to return to game action.

According to two sources, the team believes that Gronkowski is healthy enough to play against the Falcons this Sunday. But Gronkowski reportedly remains cautious and unwilling to rush his surgically repaired arm, and instead aiming to make his season debut by Week 6.

Both sides have been at odds since training camp, as the Patriots were hoping to have Gronk back in time for their Week 2 matchup. The former Arizona Wildcat has made it known that his recovery would have to be cleared by the the team, the medical staff and himself before stepping onto the field again.

Considering that he’s undergone a back surgery and series of arm procedures this offseason, it is vital that he’s close 100 percent before absorbing contact throughout a game.