New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is expected to make his season debut on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. After missing the first five weeks of the season, is the fantasy behemoth worth starting this week?
Multiple media outlets, including NFL.com and Pro Football Talk, are reporting league sources as saying Gronkowski will play on Sunday. Dr. James Andrews will make the final decision in determining whether Gronkowski is fit to return, according to ESPN.
In less than a year, Gronkowski has undergone four forearm surgeries and one back surgery. The Patriots didn't place the 24-year-old on the PUP list out of belief he'd be ready to return before Week 7. Gronkowski, however, has been cautious about prematurely returning - to the point that it reportedly caused friction with the team, which wanted him available for Week 5.
With an unproductive offense, the Patriots are desperate for another receiving option. New England ranks just above the Jacksonville Jaguars in touchdowns scored.
Although the Pro Bowl tight end has been practicing with the team, he's certain to show rust in his first game back, which makes him a questionable start in fantasy football leagues. It's unknown if coach Bill Belichick plans to limit Gronkowski's number of snaps, or if Gronkowski and quarterback Tom Brady will be automatically in sync like they've always been.
The Patriots haven't officially said whether Gronkowski would play. On top of that and the issue of rust, the New Orleans defense has given up an average of just 5.6 points per game to tight ends.
If you have another decent option at the position, particularly one who's matched up against a more favorable defense, you may want to play it safe by sitting Gronkowski and seeing how he performs this week. Keep an eye on the next couple days to see whether Gronkowski is a full-participant at practice.
ESPN Fantasy Football Projection: 48 yards, 1 touchdown.
