Rob Gronkowski (ribs) doubtful vs. Patriots

It seems Rob Gronkowski won't be playing against his old team. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers' Rob Gronkowski (ribs) doubtful to play vs. Patriots

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Oct 1, 2021 5:28 PM ET

Understandably, the majority of the stories regarding this Sunday night's epic showdown between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots have been about Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady returning to Gillette Stadium for the first time since he and the Patriots officially parted ways in March 2020. Thus, it's easy to forget Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski earned three Super Bowl rings alongside Brady in New England before Gronk temporarily retired but then joined the signal-caller in Florida en route to adding a fourth title on his Hall of Fame resume.

It seems Gronkowski may not be able to take part in the upcoming on-the-field "homecoming" festivities.

According to Jenna Laine of ESPN, the Buccaneers officially listed Gronkowski as doubtful for Sunday's showdown shortly after head coach Bruce Arians told reporters the 32-year-old would be a game-time decision due to the rib injury he picked up in last Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams:

Gronkowski took a huge hit from Terrell Lewis pic.twitter.com/hQWqHMTn4n
— Sports ReUp (@SportsReUp) September 26, 2021

Per ESPN stats, Gronkowski leads the team with four touchdown receptions, is tied for second with 16 catches and is third with 184 receiving yards on the campaign. Brady still has solid options at the position, as Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard could both see upticks in targets if Gronk isn't cleared by Sunday evening.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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