Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady during Super Bowl LIII. (Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Patriots have had almost two weeks to sit on their loss to the Ravens, but after their bye week, they've got a tough stretch ahead, starting with a game against the Eagles in Philly Sunday night.
WBZ NewsRadio's Adam Kaufman and Boston Globe NFL reporter Ben Volin previewed that match-up and other Patriots news in the Week 11 Red Zone Report—but first, they discussed the biggest Pats news of the week: a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport that Patriots owner Robert Kraft has asked tight end Rob Gronkowski to come out of retirement.
But does Volin think it could actually happen?
"This season? No, I think he's completely done," Volin said. "Look how skinny he's gotten since he retired—he's in great shape, but he's not in football shape. This is a guy who just seems to really be enjoying life. He's going around the country doing his business stuff, CBD oil now, and Iron Man-type training exercises at these NFL stadiums that he's doing. Gronk, A, doesn't need the money, and B, doesn't seem like he misses football, so I think the chances of him coming back are zero percent. Maybe next year, a full comeback throughout the spring, maybe."
How important is this game with Philadelphia as far as tone-setting for the team, and how the Patriots are viewed?
"It's an important game coming off a bye, you wanna show that you used the two weeks wisely, and this is another key test for them," Volin said. "I think the Patriots certainly could use a good performance coming on the road, but it's still only one game. Even if the Patriots lose, it's an NFC game, so an out-of-conference game, shouldn't affect the playoff standings too much ... I'm not making any grand proclamations about the Patriots, but I'm sure everyone would feel better about the Patriots if they go down to Philly and have a good, consistent game on both sides of the football."
Kaufman and Volin also discuss whether or not N'Keal Harry will play this weekend, predictions for the game, and the Patriots' expected presence at Colin Kaepernick's free agent workout Saturday.
Listen to this week's Red Zone Report with Adam Kaufman (@adammkaufman) and Ben Volin (@BenVolin):
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