Report: Rob Gronkowski Could Return to Play Week 2 Against Jets, With Patriots Optimistic About Progress

The questions surrounding Rob Gronkowski thinned over the weekend, when the Patriots picked a 53-man roster that included the still-rehabbing tight end. Those questions could go away altogether once Gronkowski gets in a game.

Gronkowski was on the practice field at Gillette Stadium on Sunday and Monday, and Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports that “there are whispers” that he could play as soon as Week 2 against the Jets.

Howe said the chances that Gronkowski plays this Sunday, when the Patriots open against the Bills, are “nonexistent,” but Gronkowski is in good enough shape after offseason arm and back surgeries that he could be back the week after that.

Gronkowski practiced with the starters Monday. He hasn’t been at full speed since returning, but the fact that he was in practice and moving around was a good sign for the Patriots, who weren’t sure when they’d get a healthy Gronkowski back.