BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- As Tom Brady prepares for the long-awaited return of his third-down safety net, Julian Edelman, Thursday night against the Colts, tight end Rob Gronkowski is questionable with an ankle injury.
Gronkowski hasn't practiced since he left the Patriots 38-7 thumping of the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter last Sunday. The injury is reportedly minor, but it's yet to be seen whether or not Brady's favorite target will play on the short week.
"Last year he had a similar deal when they played a Thursday night game at Tampa where he had an injury," Ben Volin said about Gronkowski. "It wasn't serious but it was enough on a short week to keep him out for that game. So we'll see this week."
With a big game coming up against Andy Reid's Kansas City Chiefs in two weeks, the rationale for resting Gronkowski on the short week makes sense. "You need this guy for the long haul and not just for week five," Volin said. "And you might even be able to get past the Colts here without Rob Gronkowski."
Gronkowski has a number of contract incentives based on his on-field performance, so every snap missed is a lost opportunity in his mind, Volin says. "I think he's gonna do his best to try to play, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Patriots played the safer route."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports
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