Rob Gronkowski injury: Patriots TE cleared to play

Rob Gronkowski has been cleared to play for the New England Patriots, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Gronkowski's agent Drew Rosenhaus made the announcement, saying, "Rob Gronkowski has now been cleared by all his doctors to play Sunday in the Jets game." The record-setting tight end has spent the entire season on the sidelines recovering from back and forearm surgeries.

Gronkowski has seemingly been on the verge of returning to the Patriots for several weeks now. He was able to practice fully last week, but was ruled out before Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Gronkowski drew the ire of teammates as a result. The delay may not have been his fault, however. Gronkowski was reportedly waiting on an all-clear from the renowned Dr. James Andrews.

Gronkowski's return to play against the New York Jets would give the Patriots a tremendous spark. The Pats' passing game has struggled at times despite Tom Brady's best efforts thanks to injuries to Gronkowski and Danny Amendola, and the growing pains of rookies Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson.