RADIO
Rob Gronkowski was officially listed as "limited" in Thursday's practice for the New England Patriots in his first action since leaving Week 12’s game against the Denver Broncos, according to ESPN.com.
The All-Pro tight end wore a protective sleeve/brace over his right knee during the practice. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll be cleared to play Sunday night against the Houston Texans as the Pats attempt to prevent a three-game losing streak, which would be their first since 2000. It might not be until Sunday morning when fantasy users find out if Gronkowski will be on the field. It’s playoff time in most fantasy leagues, which brings up the question of what to do if the tight end leader in yards isn't out there Sunday night.
The obvious replacement would be to add Scott Chandler just in case Gronk can’t go. Chandler has done well as a replacement, and caught five balls and a touchdown in Week 12 after Gronk left the game. He followed it with four catches for 61 yards and another touchdown last Sunday. .
The Patriots are currently tied at the top of the AFC with the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos with a 10-2 record. They’ve lost a lot of playmakers this season, including Gronkowski. Quarterback Tom Brady can’t wait to have him and the rest of them out there.
"He's a great player. I always wish we'd have everyone, whether it's Jules [Julian Edelman] or Gronk,” Brady told ESPN.com. “Different guys are dealing with different things. It's part of football season. You still have to be mentally tough to overcome whatever adversity you face and try to win a game. It may take on a little different form."
It’s going to be a tough matchup for Brady even if he has his tight end out there. The Texans are the seventh-ranked defense overall this season. Houston had allowed just 35 total points over a four-game span until its defense allowed 31 points to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. The Texans are currently 6-6 and tied for the AFC South title with the Indianapolis Colts while also very much in the race for one of the two Wild Card spots with only four games to go. Brady was picked off twice and sacked four times against the Philadelphia Eagles last week. However, it's common knowledge that New England adjusts better than any team in the NFL.
