The Facts: According to Ed Werder of ESPN, the Patriots think Gronkowski has a 50–50 chance of playing this week against the Buccaneers.

Diehards Line: The Patriots have clearly missed him, barely bothering to target a tight end last week (according to the gmaebook, Michael Hoomanawanui was targeted once among Brady’s 39 attempts). As PFT notes, with Gronkowski coming off back surgery, they need to make sure they’re exercising enough patience. As much as they need him now because of other injuries, they need him more later in the season.