“Unlikely” and “not realistic” are the ways sources have described Rob Gronkowski‘s chances to play in the New England Patriots‘ Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills. With less than two weeks before the start of their questionable season, the Pats are about to find out just how valuable Tom Brady really is.
New England’s high-powered offense went through a rough makeover this offseason and now with Gronk likely out, Brady will only recognize one face in the huddle among his recovers. Julian Edelman is the only Patriots receiver who played significant time last year and is still with the team. Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney and Deion Branch are all gone while Danny Amendola and second-round pick Aaron Dobson are the only relatively big-name additions.
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Of course, the Patriots are also without Aaron Hernandez, who may not see the light of day again, much less play football. So now guys like Jake Ballard will be called upon to step in during Gronk’s absence. Needless to say, Brady’s job is getting harder as he gets older, and this is going to be the most interesting Patriots season in years.
