Rob Gronkowski has managed a paltry one catch for 11 yards since returning from a hamstring injury in Week 3, leading frustrated fantasy owners with poor life skills to hound the All-Pro tight end in search of answers.
If Gronkowski is healthy enough to play, it's natural to wonder why he's taking a backseat to Martellus Bennett in the passing game.
Citing a source "semi-connected" to Gronkowski, NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported on Tuesday's edition of Good Morning Football that the tight end's balky hamstring remains an issue.
"How are you guys not paying more attention? This guy is not right," the source told Garafolo. "That hamstring has not come along like they thought it was going to."
The game film confirms that sentiment. The most unstoppable receiving tight end in NFL history has been utilized primarily as a blocker, limiting his route tree to areas near the line of scrimmage.
Gronkowski conceded as much on Wednesday, telling reporters the hamstring is "obviously" holding him back.
"When I can get rolling, I'll get rolling," Gronkowski offered, via Michael Giardi of CSN New England.
With rookie Jacoby Brissett directing a remedial aerial attack, it's understandable that the Patriots would be reluctant to risk a hamstring aggravation on downfield routes that require more explosive bursts of speed.
Now that Tom Brady has been reinstated from suspension, this week's game versus the Cleveland Browns will provide a more accurate measure of Gronkowski's ability to contribute as a receiver. On a Wednesday conference call, the four-time All-Pro noted that his hamstring is "progressing every single day."
"Hopefully this week it's go time," Gronkowski added, per Tom Pelissero of USA Today.
