New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski returned to practice on Thursday, according to Phil Perry of CSN New England.
Rob Gronkowski returns to practice, fantasy status unclear
The Patriots could get their star tight end back in action on Sunday night. We break down the fantasy implications.
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It marks Gronkowski's first practice since suffering a knee injury in Week 12 against the Denver Broncos. It had been previously reported that his injury would be handled at a week-to-week basis, and there is no guarantee of his availability for Week 14 despite the encouraging news. Gronkowski was seen at practice wearing a knee brace, and would presumable do so if he were to suit up for a game.
Fantasy impact: Fantasy owners don’t yet have any reason to pen Gronkowski into their lineups, but they need to have a plan to do so once clarity emerges on his status. Unfortunately for his fantasy owners, the Patriots have an 8:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday, which would mean most tight end options would be exhausted if he is not able to suit up.
Gronkowski would be a TE1 if made available against the Texans, but there isn't enough evidence yet for fantasy owners to bank on that. Scott Chandler would be a fringe TE1/TE2 if given the start once again, but this remains a situation for fantasy owners to approach with caution.
