Rob Gronkowski Injury: Cleared, Returns to Patriot's Line for Sunday's Game Against New York Jets [VIDEO]
After 6 weeks of sitting out with back and forearm injuries, Rob Gronkowski has finally been cleared to play by the New England Patriots' medical staff. Each week was a gamble for fans hoping to see "Gronk" return, but it looks like the wait could finally be over with the Patriots going up against the Ney York Jets this Sunday.
The 24-year-old's agent Drew Rosenhaus sent out a text message to numerous media outlets earlier today, stating: "Rob Gronkowski has now been cleared by all his doctors to play Sunday in the Jets game."
This is incredible news for the Patriots, who haven't been suffering at all this season, but could definitely use the extra help from the talented tight end.
Gronkowski may have missed all six of the games this season but he has participated in each practice while recovering from multiple surgeries for a back injury as well as a forearm injury. The decision to play this Sunday has taken a step forward with doctors clearing Rob, now it's up to the coach and Gronkowski himself whether he'll play.
"If a player is going to come back he has to be medically cleared and he personally has to be ready to get back on the field. Those are the two things that need to happen. Neither one should be diminished," Patriots' president Jonathan Kraft explained to Boston sports radio station 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Though we don't have a definite decision on Gronkowski playing this week, the tight end recently spoke about returning.
"It's going to be a great feeling, obviously," Gronkowski said. "[I've] just been working hard towards that goal and working hard every day to achieve that. It's going to be exciting, and when it happens, it's going to be awesome."
"You might just think that we just show up and play on Sunday," Gronkowski said, explaining this tough situation a little more. "But there's so much behind the scenes parts of it that go on in order to get back on the field. It's literally rehab, rehab, practice, running, conditioning, strengthening all the muscles, strengthening my core muscles. And it's not just my back muscles and my arm muscles, it's my whole body."