Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is listed as active versus the New York Jets.
Rob Gronkowski will start for Patriots on Sunday, ought to start for fantasy owners as well
The Patriots offense will finally get a boost this week by having Rob Gronkowski return to the lineup. We break down the fantasy implications.
Jared Wickerham
Doctors cleared Gronkowski to play earlier in the week after missing the team’s first six games due to a surgically-repaired forearm, but a source told Pro Football Talk on Saturday that there was no guarantee he would play. He has been practicing with the team at a limited capacity for numerous weeks preceding his clearance, and all systems are finally “go” for the former All-Pro tight end.
Fantasy Spin: If the Patriots find Gronkowski healthy enough to start for them, then fantasy owners should feel the same way. Despite missing five regular season games in 2012, Gronkowski was still the second-highest scoring tight end in standard leagues, and health permitting, there is no reason to believe he could not replicate that kind of production in 2013.
Gronkowski has a daunting task ahead of him facing the Jets defense, which has allowed an average of just 49 yards to tight ends each game. Despite that, Gronkowski has the talent to overcome poor matchups, and it’s hardly a reason for owners to keep him on the bench for yet another week. Start him with confidence.
• Week 7 fantasy football rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
