New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will be making his 2013 season debut in the Patriots Week 7 game against the New York Jets.
The Patriots had listed Gronkowski as a game-time decision despite the fact that he had already received medical clearance from his team of doctors, but when the teams inactive list came out – Gronk’s name was not listed.
It’s possible Gronk will be on a snap count, but via ESPN’s Josina Anderson, a Patriots source “totally would not be surprised if he blows up today.” Gronk returns, at worst, as an immediate top-five option.
Inactive for the Patriots are WR Danny Amendola, CB Aqib Talib, KR/RB Leon Washington, DT Tommy Kelly, CB Tavon Wilson, OG Chris Barker and WR Josh Boyce.
The Patriot’s are 5-1 this season, but haven’t been resembled the offensive power of seasons past.
Brady will certainly use Gronk’s help as his completion percentage (56.9) is in danger of finishing on the wrong side of 60 percent for the first time in his career as a starter, and he is on pace for 21 touchdown passes, which would be his lowest total in a full season since 2001.
Brady is on target for 3,947 passing yards, which is a serious downturn after averaging more than 5,000 yards in the past two seasons.
