The New England Patriots have Rob Gronkowski questionable for Week 14 against the Texans with a knee injury and there is an outside chance he could play on Sunday night against the Texans. Danny Amendola, Scott Chandler and Brandon LaFell are solid fantasy football options if Gronkowski is out for the game for Tom Brady.
UPDATE: Gronkowski is expected to play against the Texans. Check here for more updates on the injury.
Gronkowski was dressed and did some workouts this week, but the Pats have given no indication whether he will play or not. According to the Boston Herald, Julian Edelman was able to return to practice on Friday on a limited basis after previously breaking his foot earlier in the season. Edelman is not in line to play yet, but his return to working out is a good sign. Gronkowski made the trip with the Patriots to Houston and there is a chance he could play, but if not, Scott Chandler will get the start again.
Gronkowski comes in after dealing with a knee injury in the loss against the Broncos, but reports have the injury not a serious one, which is welcome news for Tom Brady. Danny Amendola missed a game a couple weeks ago, but he was able to return last week and is in line to start again this week. Chandler practiced on a limited basis, but he is not in danger of missing the game Sunday.
The Patriots suffered their first loss of the season against the Broncos in overtime in Week 12 and after that the team lost a second straight game against the Eagles. According to Pro Football Talk, sources reported that Gronkowski was not seriously injured and that he suffered a "minor knee sprain" originally. Gronkowski is considered "week to week" and the team could hold him out for longer to ensure he is fully healthy for the playoffs.
Gronkowski was carted off the field after taking a hit from Darian Stewart and video showed that his knee was hit awkwardly before going down. Gronkowski was able to walk into the locker room and reports after the game had the injury not a serious one for the Patriots. Ian Rapoport at NFL.com reports that Gronkowski may not "miss more than one game," while ESPN's Dianna Marie Russini reported that Gronkowski is "week to week" and that an MRI revealed "only bruising" on Gronkowski's knee.
Losing Gronkowski to a serious injury would have been a major blow for Tom Brady and the Patriots, as he has been the leading receiver this season and the team has dealt with a number of injuries already. Edelman is out with a foot injury and is hopeful to return for the end of the season or the playoffs, while Dion Lewis is out for the season. Amendola missed the game against the Broncos and was able to play against the Eagles after dealing with a knee injury.
Chandler is worth using for fantasy owners with Gronkowski out, as the Patriots likely will still use the tight end as a focal point of the offense. Chandler had five catches for 58 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets against the Broncos and he will be a short term replacement until Gronkowski can return. The Patriots lost the game on Sunday to the Broncos and while he missed the game against the Eagles, he could see action against the Texans.
Check here for more on the Patriots and Gronkowski.
