Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Patriots Gridiron News: Rob Gronkowski may never be ‘100 percent’ again

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 30: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 30: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After missing last Sunday’s game due to back spasms, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is expected back on the field soon, but when?

It seems that is a question surrounding the New England Patriots every season when it comes to the health of Rob Gronkowski.

Due to back spasms, the All-Pro tight end missed Sunday’s 38-31 victory over the Chicago Bears.  Tom Brady and the Patriots offense didn’t need him, but they do need him on the field to get through the AFC and make it to another Super Bowl.

Although not deemed as a serious issue, the concern with Rob Gronkowski is that we’ve heard that before, then suddenly the dominant playmaker ends up missing several games or entire seasons.  Given the fact that he had multiple back surgeries, those back spasms are no joke.

More from Chowder and Champions

For that reason, the Gronk who can take over any game may never actually be 100 percent again.  But, any percent of Gronkowski is better than most tight ends in the league, especially on the New England Patriots current roster.

Appearing on Westwood One Radio with Jim Gray Monday, Tom Brady was asked about one of his favorite targets and when he expects him back as close to 100 percent has he can possibly get.

"“I think he is week-to-week, too.  Hopefully it is not a serious thing for him, too,” Brady said, as transcribed by WEEI.  “The one thing about Rob is he works extremely hard at his rehab.  As soon as he is back and healthy it is just a whole nother option for our team.  He is the best tight end in the league so when he is out there they have to deal with him on every play.  We are hoping things calm down for him and we’re hoping he’s back as soon as he is feeling 100 percent.”"

Rob Gronkowski is expected back for the Week 8 Monday night showdown with the Buffalo Bills.  If he is not able to go or the team holds him back for another week, one has to start to wonder if the back flare up is something that may need another surgery.

If that is the case, that retirement he hinted at throughout the summer may become a real possibility.

Patriots work out eight players

The team’s concern about the injuries to Rob Gronkowski and rookie running back Sony Michel appear to be minimal.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss Tuesday, the New England Patriots worked out eight players, but none of those reported to be brought in was a running back or tight end.  Interestingly, most of them were special teams type players.

Among those brought in was long snapper Jon Condo, kicker Andrew Franks, punters Jeff Locke and Colton Schmidt, long snapper Christian Kunz as well as linebacker Terence Garvin and wide receivers Tanner McEvoy and DeAngelo Yancey.

Next. New England Patriots: 5 things we love about Rob Gronkowski. dark

None of those players really stand out except Yancey who was drafted in the fifth round by the Green Bay Packers.  With the New England Patriots offense starting to click, wide receiver seems to be the lesser of their current needs.

Home/New England Patriots