Patriots believe Rob Gronkowski will play against Jets

Seth Wenig | AP Photo

Potential good news has come from the New England Patriots’ front.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team could be getting its star tight end back for next week’s game against the New York Jets.

Rob Gronkowski has missed three of the last four games with a back injury but has shown enough progression and improvements in recent practices that his team is hopeful he’ll be back in the game soon.

When Gronk is in the game, he is often double covered, leading to other open opportunities for the Patriots’ offense.
Along with the fans, quarterback Tom Brady is equally, if not more excited to get his tight end back.

"Absolutely. I've played a lot of football with him, and I think I have a lot of trust and confidence in a lot of the things that have happened over the years," Brady said. "When he's not there, there's a different level with other players. Sometimes we don't try things because Gronk isn't in there. Sometimes we do.

"Obviously, the more dependable, consistent players you have on the field, the more productive and efficient you'll be, which leads to more points, which leads to better opportunities to win the game, which is ultimately the reason we're all here."

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