Rob Gronkowski continues to sit out the 2013 season for the New England Patriots. The tight end is still having issues regarding offseason surgeries on his forearm and back. While the Patriots continue to roll on this season much thanks to Tom Brady, the Patriots could certainly use to have one of their most reliable pass catchers on the field. Many speculate there is tension building within the team, something Brady is quick to shoot down.
Players are saying all the right things when it comes to Gronkowski, as in they are not saying much at all regarding the status of the tight end. In post-game press conferences, everyone remains steadfast in talking about the players on the field and not the drama regarding the players off the field. If there is tension, no one is noticing. According to Brady, everyone is on the same page regarding injuries.
"I don't think there's any resentment toward Rob or any other player on our team that is fighting through rehabilitation to get back on the field," Brady said, via WestwoodOne Sports. "Look, everyone loves having Rob out on the field but we also understand that these medical decisions are out of the hands of the players and coaches. And if the doctors, when they clear them, they clear them, and when they don't, they don't. That goes for every player in the NFL. It's not just our team, it's every team. So we'll be excited to get him back. When that is, I don't have the answer, but I prepare each week regardless of who's out there. You got to go with the guys that are healthy and the guys who are ready to play. And look, we've had plenty of guys contribute to get to 5-1 at this point. So I have a lot of confidence in the guys I'm out there with and whenever Rob comes back, whenever that is and he's cleared, the team will be excited to have him back."
Gronkowski has been expected to take the field the past few weeks, yet every Saturday he is officially ruled out. Some sources say he is destined for another surgery that would likely knock him out the entire year. ESPN's Ed Werder reports that there is a lot of curiosity and resentment regarding the absence of the tight end since he has been on field for practices but not present during games.
All of that is hearsay. Brady is certainly not concerned as he continues to make his case for league MVP, keeping the team rolling at 5-1 with a slew of inexperienced wide receivers in the starting lineup. Until Gronkowski officially returns or is officially ruled out, speculation will continue to circulate.
