Rob Gronkowski's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, stated earlier this week that the New England Patriots tight end has yet to be cleared by doctors to return to action and will not do so until given medical clearance, according to Field Yates of ESPN Boston.
Rob Gronkowski injury: Patriots TE still not cleared to play, agent Drew Rosenhaus says
Gronk won’t be back on the field until given the okay by an independent consultant, his agent says.
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Rosenhaus told the “Jose Rose Show” on Miami’s 560 WQAM on Thursday that Gronkowski would not make his return until given the okay by renowned orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, who is serving as an independent consultant for the star Patriot.
“Up to this point he hasn’t been cleared to play in a game,” Rosenhaus said. “He has not been cleared by Dr. Andrews, who is the supervising doctor.”
Gronkowski, who underwent a series of surgeries on his back and forearm during the offseason, was initially expected to return much earlier in 2013. Since the Patriots opted not to list him on the physically unable to perform list, he has been able to practice with the team all season -- including taking part in tackling drills -- but has been held out of live action.
“There’s a huge difference between being cleared to practice and being cleared to play in a game,” Rosenhaus said. “I’ve had great dialogue with Coach [Bill] Belichick and the Patriots’ medical staff, and Rob and his family. Everybody’s on the same page, except it’s gotten a lot of play in the media and all these unsubstantiated sources.”
Reports of Gronkowski’s imminent return have floated through media outlets for weeks now. The ever-secretive Belichick continues to refer to Gronkowski as day-to-day.
A return against the Jets this Sunday, it seems, will be entirely up to Dr. Andrews.
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