New England Patriot’s TE Rob Gronkowski’s (back, arm) outlook is “not optimistic” for Week 4 at Atlanta, according to ProFootballTalk on NBC, who was citing a league source.
This week, Gronk has participated in practice on a limited basis both Wednesday and Thursday
The Patriots are 3-0 and can afford to hold Gronkowski out until he’s absolutely 100 percent. He clearly isn’t yet. PFT passes along speculation that Gronk’s back is no longer the “primary impediment,” but his several-times-infected forearm may still be.
If Gronkowski doesn’t play by Week Six, the Pats would have been better off leaving him on the physically unable to perform list, and freeing up the roster spot for someone else. If on reserve/PUP to start the season, he could have returned after Week Six.
The Patriots will likely still list Gronkowski as “limited” in Friday’s practice and “questionable” on the injury report.