All eyes will be on New England's Rob Gronkowski on Sunday, as the Patriots' two-time Pro Bowl tight end may make his return to the field after offseason back and forearm surgeries. On Friday, the Patriots listed him as questionable for Sunday's game, and although Adam Fox of SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit, doesn't think Gronkowski will play, he is encouraged by the status:
Buccaneers vs. Patriots 2013 injury report: Rob Gronkowski, Carl Nicks questionable for debuts
Pro Bowlers Rob Gronkowski and Carl Nicks each missed the first two weeks of the season, but they are possibilities to play in Week 3.
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I still think more than likely Gronkowski will sit for one final game as he works diligently with the coaching staff to make up for lost time, but a sudden rise on the injury report all but guarantees that he’ll play in some capacity during Week 4.
More Patriots-Buccaneers coverage: Pats Pulpit Bucs Nation
The Buccaneers could see the return of a two-time Pro Bowler of their own, as guard Carl Nicks is listed as questionable, as well. Nicks has been trying to recover from a MRSA infection in his foot that spread through the Tampa Bay locker room, but has been cleared to return to the field. After three limited practices, Nicks has a chance to get back in the action.
Patriots injury report
Out
WR Matthew Slater (wrist)
Doubtful
WR Danny Amendola (groin)
Questionable
RB Brandon Bolden (knee)
OL Dan Connolly (finger)
DB Nate Ebner (ankle)
TE Rob Gronkowski (back/forearm)
OL Will Svitek (knee)
RB Leon Washington (thigh)
Probable
TE Zach Sudfeld (hamstring)
Buccaneers injury report
Out
DT Derek Landri (knee)
CB Michael Adams (knee)
OL Gabe Carimi (illness)
Questionable
TE Tom Crabtree (ankle)
CB Rashaan Melvin (hamstring)
G Carl Nicks (foot)
TE Luke Stocker (hip)
Probable
DE Adrian Clayborn (hip)
LB Mason Foster (toe)
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