A hamstring injury had Gronkowski limited in practice of late. Gronkowski was asked about the injury Thursday and acknowledged that he’s not 100 percent healthy.
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Gronkowski said during the week that he wanted to play but would leave it up to the coaches and doctors.
Heading into the 2016 season, Patriots’ fans were angry about the suspension of Tom Brady, but they took solace in the fact that they had weapons around Jimmy Garoppolo that would ease his transition into the starter role.
As unusual as it sounds, Garoppolo could miss Gronkowski, the blocker, almost as much as the dominant receiver Sunday night against an Arizona “D” that will have James Bettcher sending pressure from all over the field. “I’ve been week-to-week with a little hammy thing”.
Also missing the game for New England will be offensive linemen Jonathan Cooper, who the Patriots acquired from the Cardinals for defensive end Chandler Jones this offseason, and Nate Solder. “So it’s just been week-to-week, day-by-day, but I’m feeling good”.
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Then comes New England’s trip to Arizona, at which time the Patriots will, or won’t, leave Gronkowski behind. The Patriots have three other tight ends on the roster, with Martellus Bennett likely to fill the biggest part of the void.
