Tight end Rob Gronkowski and the Patriots have a disagreement over his availability for tomorrow's game against the Falcons, two sources have told the Herald.
The Patriots believe Gronkowski is healthy enough to make his season debut after an offseason that included back surgery and a series of arm procedures. However, Gronkowski and his camp are wary about returning too soon, particularly after last season when he broke his forearm and then re-injured it when he returned for the playoffs.
New reports from Pro Football Talk say Gronkowski and the Pats are, in fact, on the same page about his return. But, this story points point that it's not the first time the two sides have disagreed, and the Pats felt he could have been ready by Week 2. Gronk is too big of a risk to play this week unless you have a backup plan. As we pointed out earlier this week, Dolphins TE Charles Clay is a pretty solid backup option who plays Monday night. You could start Gronkowski and then potentially replace him with Clay when we find out Gronk's status.
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