There are a lot of unknowns leading up to the Patriots‘ Thursday night game against the Texans.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is listed as doubtful with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, meaning rookie Jacoby Brissett will get the start (Garoppolo will dress as the backup). Then, there's the uncertainty regarding Rob Gronkowski.
The all-pro tight end has missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury suffered in training camp. But, he could be back tonight.
From the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport:
Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (hamstring), who sat out the first 2 games, is a game-time decision. There's a real chance he makes his debut.
The additional optimism at the end of his comment makes it seem like there's a better chance than not that Gronk gets the start. For what it's worth, Gronkowski is confident he'll be out there. From Ben Volin of the Boston Globe:
Tight end Rob Gronkowski has been telling teammates all week that he plans to make his 2016 season debut tonight.
New England has been just fine without Gronkowski and future Hall of Fame QB Tom Brady, who's serving out a four-game suspension, winning their first two games over the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins.
It will be a different story without Garoppolo, who looked like perhaps the best QB in the league with his play. Brissett needs all of the help he can get; having the option to throw the ball up to the Gronk is a big plus.
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