Rob Gronkowski: Updating Week 14 Playing Status

Up to date information on whether New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will be able to suit up on Sunday Night against the Houston Texans.

We knew it was not serious, but could New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski really only miss one week with his injured knee? After returning to practice for Thursday and Friday, Gronkowski has at least put himself in position to force a game-time decision prior to the Sunday night match-up with the Houston Texans.

It seemed like Gronkowski would undoubtedly sit out at least one more week, before a surfacing Saturday night of the star tight end traveling with the Patriots to Houston. Why would Gronkowski even be travelling if there was no chance of him suiting up to play? Clearly, the team is at least going to give him a chance to prove his health before the game.

Late on Saturday night, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reported that Gronkowski is actually likely to play on Sunday night. While a bit surprising this report obviously goes along with the idea that he had traveled with the team to Houston.

Now, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media calls Gronkowski’s status as “Up in the air”, but he does give an optimistic view on his status.

My gut tells me he plays on Sunday night against the Texans. I really do not think the Patriots would have brought him along on the trip if there was not a strong chance that he would suit up. He is going to have to prove his health to the coaching staff one last time in pre-game warm ups, but barring an unexpected set-back, I think everyone in the organization is expecting him to suit up.

The reports leading up to the game are promising, but we really will not know for sure until the last possible minute. If you own Gronkowski in fantasy football, this is an extremely tough decision. I think he does play, but since the Patriots play on Sunday night, your back-up options are limited in case he does not go.

Next: Pats WR Julian Edelman Back Sooner than Expected?

If you are able to get Scott Chandler, Texans tight end Ryan Griffin, New York Giants tight end Will Tye or Miami Dolphins TE Jordan Cameron (Giants and Dolphins play on Monday night), I would feel comfortable enough rolling with Gronkowki, expecting him to play. That being said, with nothing known for sure, make certain you have one of those four back-up options.