FOXBOROUGH, Mass. _ Let the countdown begin.
Or perhaps, in this case, let the Gronk watch end.
As the Patriots return from the bye week and embark on another November, this month means we everyone will finally find out if Rob Gronkowski is returning or staying retired. Since the Patriots placed the All-Pro tight end on the reserve/retired list this past spring, if Gronkowski is going to come back it must be by Nov. 30 at 4 p.m.
If that deadline passes and Gronk isn't back with the Patriots, he'll remain on the retired/reserve list for the remainder of the 2019 season. So, if the Patriots were to get a nice boost to their tight end corps, it would happen in Week 13 before their matchup with the Houston Texans.
According to a recent report by the NFL Network, Patriots owner Robert Kraft informed Gronkowski this past spring he was welcomed to return in November for the stretch run. However, by the sound of it, it seems like that might be a big stretch.
On Monday, on WEEI's Greg Hill Show, Tom Brady was asked about the recent report and didn't sound optimistic.
"I am really good friends with Gronk. We have had a great relationship for 10 years," Brady said. "Just because things are reported doesn't necessarily mean they are always true, just for the record ... I don't know. Those are conversations I am not privy to."
According to the NFL Network, Kraft approached Gronkowski as he was cleaning out his locker at Gillette Stadium, following his March 24 retirement announcement. After saying bye, Kraft told Gronk, according to NFL Network' Ian Rapoport, "that he wants him to return for November, December, and a playoff run. If that happened, the team not only would welcome him back but would remain hopeful that it happens."
The story involving Gronk's retirement or potential return has been a full-blown circus this season. Gronkowski has said in multiple interviews that he's happy in life and hasn't thought about retirement. He's also found work outside of football as a spokesman for CBC Medic and as a Fox Sports analyst. However, the tight end also has dangled his comeback in the public's view.
Kraft also did his part to throw gasoline on these comeback rumors last month. Prior to the Patriots Thursday night matchup with the New York Giants, on Oct. 10, Kraft told NFL Network that Gronkowski never filed his retirement paperwork with the NFL.
In the event Gronk did return, he would be welcomed with open arms.
"I don't know. If he does, I would love it," said Patriots receiver Mohamed Sanu. "Believe that. If he does, I would love it ... Come, man, come."
There's a case to be made that the Patriots could use Gronkowski. This season, Brady has seen a career-low production at the tight end position. Through nine games, Patriots tight ends in 2019 have caught 18 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown. Over the last 19 years, those 18 receptions are the lowest tight end total since 2001 (10). Those 242 combined yards are the lowest total since 2008 (184).
The return of Gronkowski would also help in the blocking department. However, it seems increasingly unlikely it'll happen. That means the Patriots will roll with Ben Watson, Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo at tight end.
Right now, Izzo leads Patriots tight ends with 114 yards. Through nine games, Gronk bettered that mark in all nine NFL seasons. Through nine games, the Patriots also had better production from tight ends such as Martellus Bennett, Scott Chandler, Tim Wright, Aaron Hernandez, Watson, Daniel Graham and Christian Fauria.
"It really doesn't matter. Our team is what it is," Brady said. "The trade deadline is gone. Training camp has passed. Free agency is gone. The draft is gone. I mean, our team is what it is and I am excited about who we have and the opportunity that we have. I said last week, to be 8-1 and have the opportunity in the second half of the year that we do, I think anyone would take that. It hasn't all been perfect, but it's been good enough in some areas.
"We're really going to have to really ramp it up and play our best as we go forward. Hopefully, it will be a great second half of the season."
