Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

As Sunday approaches, it’s looking less and less likely that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will play on Sunday against the Saints.

Earlier this week, we (and others . . . i.e., don’t blame only us) reported that there was optimism that Gronkowski would be cleared to play for the first time since January, after breaking his arm for a second time, having multiple surgeries on the arm (due in part of infection), and then back surgery in June.

Per a league source, clearance still has not come from Dr. James Andrews, who recently became involved for the purposes of providing a new set of eyes on the scans of Gronkowski’s arm.

It’s all pointing, for now, to Gronkowski not playing on Sunday.

Meanwhile, here’s Tom Curran of CSN New England talking about the situation on PFT Live, along with an intriguing take on whether having Gronkowski available to practice the past six weeks has been a good thing, or a bad thing.

Specifically, Curran thinks it may ultimately have been a bad thing, since certain players (cough, Tom Brady, cough) are getting frustrated about the disconnect between Gronkowski’s presence on the practice field and his absence from games.

Still no clearance for Gronkowski | ProFootballTalk

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

I wont believe it till I see the game day in actives. We got burnt on that once already.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

If any team is capable of slowing him down it's the Saints. They see it everyday in practice. They also go up against a first ballot HOF QB. I'm more concerned about stopping the run. If w can do that the game will get out of reach once they have to abandon it and rely on their patched together receivers with pressure on Brady.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

Typical Belichick injury mind games...probably just trying to affect our defensive strategy.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

Heres whats crazy, im listening today to a segment where the doctor they call in to talk about the most important injuries in the nfl, and he said that gronk has had at least FOUR surgeries on that same forearm.....which he has broken twice, he was rushed back and it broke a second time, the rod that was inserted so he could come back faster got infected......so now the whole issue is the strength of the bone which dr andrews doesnt feel is strong enough to clear gronk to play.....

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

It's the same 'game-time' crap they've been doing with Calvin Johnson the past few weeks ... it really screws up your picks when you think they're gonna' play (or not) and then at the last minute, they don't (or do), :burn:.

... except with Saints vs NE, you pick NO either way, :mrgreen:.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

Hope he plays so there will be fewer excuses of how the Saints were able to "upset" the Patriots...

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

I am glad he is not playing. Makes a hard job a little easier.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

Exactly the same as the demarcus ware situation vs dallas in 09, oh yeah hes out hes out, right before game time hes active and sacks brees 3 times

Not fooled this time

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

They need to IR him... What you stated above is precisely why he is where he is today. He risks endind his career if brought back too soon.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

AW to bad.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

Gronk is good and he's a great threat for Brady to target. But he's not a game changer, especially when he hasn't seen the field all year and has barely practiced. Even if he plays he's a 2-3 catches for 35-40 yards. That's it. I don't really care if he plays. I'm really not intimidated by him and I highly doubt Sean, RR or the defense is either.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

This is an AFC / NFC matchup with nothing but on the line for NE. Let Gronk play a few snaps and then pull his a$$ out of the game.

Don't risk your best receiver on a nonconference game.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

gronk or no gronk, this is a tough team

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

No Gronk.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

A fully healthy Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, rejuvenated Austin Collie, and emerged Kenbrell Thompkins .. all route running tacticians and a potent backfield of Stevan Ridley who is finally healthy, Brandon Bolden, and LeGarrette Blount I love our chances in this game. Those weapons will allow us to rest Gronk, trust me.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

Tell me again when the game starts

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

Hello, welcome to the SAINTS. Leave your Patriot gear at the door or just donate it to Goodwill.

Trust you?

We welcome you into the fold. Don't be embarrassed, we understand you are looking for acceptance into the Who Dat and escape the AFC club.

Relax. Trolling is just an excuse to be loved and accepted into our Who Dat Nation.

Re: Still no clearance for Gronkowski
 

Who can blame the guy for going to a doctor who isn't paid by the team. I remember PT doing the same thing when had that ankle injury a couple of years ago.

The League doesn't exactly have a sterling record of looking out for the interest of the player's health and the team doctors tend to look out for their pay check.