Report: Gronkowski to be game-time decision vs. Texans
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will be a game-time decision vs. the Houston Texans on Thursday night, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.
Rapoport adds that there's optimism Gronkowski, who missed Weeks 1 and 2 with a hamstring injury sustained in training camp, is ready to make his 2016 debut.
Gronkowski has told teammates that he intends to play, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
Gronkowski's return to the lineup would be a welcome boost for the Patriots, who are expected to start rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett on a short week after Jimmy Garoppolo's shoulder injury in Week 2.
Despite missing Gronkowski and starting quarterback Tom Brady, among others, in Weeks 1 and 2, the Patriots enter Thursday's contest at 2-0.