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UPDATE: According to CSN New England, Gronkowski’s back injury is more worrisome than his knee. He is expected to play, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, but he’ll reportedly be playing through pain:
#Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (knee, back) will play today vs. #KCChiefs, per @KimJonesSports & me. He’ll be in pain, but he’ll play.
UPDATE No. 2: Gronkowski is officially active.
What a wild week it has been for Rob Gronkowski.
He practiced on Monday, was missing on Tuesday, returned as a limited participant on Wednesday, was in the hospital getting an injection in his ailing knee on Thursday, and is now listed as questionable not only with the knee, but with a back injury as well.
He seems headed for a game-time decision, but there is optimism on his outlook for Saturday’s contest between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, it sounds as though Gronk will be ready to go:
What I’m told on #Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski: He did not receive any knee injections. He’s been getting treatment & getting ready to play.
Moreover, sources cited by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio say the Pats are, in a bit of a mind game, deliberately overselling Gronk’s injuries.
Nevertheless, when you consider Gronk’s importance to this team, as well as his lack of practice this week, this is obviously something to keep a close eye on up until kickoff.
In just 15 games this season, the big, physical, athletic tight end led all players at the position with 1,176 receiving yards and was second in touchdowns with 11. He’s a runaway freight train after the catch, pretty much unstoppable in the red zone and is also one of the best blockers at the position.
There’s no one like Gronk in the league, and the difference in the Patriots’ offense with and without him is like night and day:
It’s tough to imagine Gronk sitting out during a win-or-go-home scenario, but his effectiveness may just be an entirely different story.