FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 6/19/2013 3:51pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will begin the preseason on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Huddle Up: You saw this coming given Gronk's medical issues, what with the forearm surgeries and the back surgery. No need to panic yet, though the current timetable does push Gronk right up against the start of the regular season.

Posted: 6/18/2013 10:52pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, who underwent surgery to fix a spinal issue in his back Tuesday, June 18, has hopes of returning to action late in August, during the preseason. However, Gronkowski isn't a lock to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. He's likely to begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list but will be eligible to come off at any point before Week 1.

Huddle Up: The risk/reward balance is going to come into play wherever Gronk is drafted, but there have simply been too many surgeries to justify keeping him atop your TE draft board.

Posted: 6/14/2013 10:38pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is scheduled to undergo back surgery Tuesday, June 18, in Los Angeles, according to sources.

Huddle Up: We'll have to wait for the official timetable, but this is certainly not good news for Gronk and his prospective fantasy owners. Keep in mind that Gronkowski missed his final collegiate season due to back surgery.

Posted: 5/29/2013 5:36pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will need to undergo back surgery this offseason and is tentatively scheduled to undergo the procedure in mid-June. He likely will miss at least part of training camp.

Huddle Up: Gronk has had back issues before so there's plenty of reason for concern. If your fantasy draft is held in early August you may not have all the necessary information on Gronk, so remember there's the forearm issue (and multiple surgeries) as well as the back thing driving his fantasy value down. Hopefully he'll return to action early enough in the fantasy draft season for potential owners to make an informed decision.

Posted: 5/21/2013 5:48am et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski underwent surgery Monday, May 20, to replace the plate in his forearm. The doctors believe the infection in his forearm has cleared. Gronkowski plans to meet with a doctor in California in about three to four weeks to decide whether he will need to undergo back surgery.

Huddle Up: Good news on the forearm, as infection would have necessitated a fifth surgery on his arm and pushed back any potential back surgery. Now we should know in a month or so if Gronk is in danger of missing the start of the season due to the back injury.

Posted: 5/19/2013 10:59pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, back) is scheduled to undergo surgery Monday, May 20, on his injured forearm. The doctors are expected to take cultures from his forearm to see if the infection is still there. If there is no infection, the plate in his forearm will be replaced and Gronkowski would start a 10- to 11-week rehab process. The plate will not be replaced if there is still signs of an infection.

Huddle Up: Best case scenario here is that Gronk returns early in training camp, but there's the possibility of a lingering infection and also the reports of a back issue that have cropped up over the past week. Translation: The TE's availability for Week 1 is still very much in question.

Posted: 5/18/2013 12:58am et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski's problem with a disc in his back is not related to the disc problem he had while in college in 2009. Gronkowski underwent a procedure to fix his back problem in college. It is not known when Gronkowski suffered his current injury, but it is believed to date back to last season. Even if it does require surgery, Gronkowski's back injury won't keep him from participating in training camp, unless his forearm needs several more surgeries.

Huddle Up: Forearm, back... it's getting more and more difficult to keep Gronkowski atop the tight end rankings. Right now most of the news is speculative--the back injury shouldn't be a problem, he'll only need another surgery on his forearm if the infection still lingers--but fantasy owners will want to see some good news in August before making him the first tight end off the board.

Posted: 5/8/2013 1:22pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will need a fourth surgery on his forearm to change the plate that is securing the forearm. It is still not known if the infection in his forearm has cleared, which is delaying the surgery to replace the plate. Gronkowski probably would need a fifth surgery if the infection has not cleared and his status for the start of the regular season would be uncertain.

Huddle Up: This latest news puts Gronk's perch atop the fantasy tight end rankings in jeopardy. Though it's still too early to panic, if the fourth surgery reveals that the infection has not yet cleared up and necessitates a fifth procedure... then panic would not be unwarranted.

Posted: 5/5/2013 3:19pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) will have to wait a few more weeks before finding out if he needs another surgery on his forearm. Gronkowski has been participating in the team's offseason workouts and has looked very good.

Huddle Up: The bad news is that what looked to be a simple broken forearm in December is still an issue 6 months later. The good news, though, is that 4 more months remain until the regular season gets under way.

Posted: 4/11/2013 11:38pm et

Updating an ongoing story, New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) may not need surgery if his fractured forearm heals and the infection goes away on its own. He probably would undergo surgery if his forearm does not heal and the infection does not clear up in around 6 weeks.

Huddle Up: It's more watching, waiting and monitoring Gronk's troublesome forearm.

Posted: 4/7/2013 1:55pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) may need to undergo another surgery on his forearm to clear up an infection. Doctors are still considering some non-surgical treatment for the infection and it will take a few weeks to determine if antibiotics can clear up the infection. It is not known if he is in danger of missing regular season time.

Huddle Up: The broken arm that originally was supposed to keep Gronk out only a month late last season has turned into quite the ordeal. You wouldn't think it would linger into the 2013 regular season, but then again it wasn't supposed to be an issue after Jan. 1, either.

Posted: 2/26/2013 1:28am et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski underwent surgery last week for an infection in the same forearm he broke in the playoffs. The infection was caught early enough that he likely will not miss extended time. Gronkowski is expected to be ready for training camp.

Huddle Up: Go ahead and speculate that the infection may or may not be related to Gronk's legendary carousing; either way, he should be healthy enough to be the top tight end on most fantasy draft boards heading into the 2013 season.

Posted: 2/16/2013 8:08am et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski made an appearance at a Massachusetts elementary school Friday, Feb. 15, and he was not wearing a cast on his forearm. "I'm in the rehab part of it. Getting it better, getting it stronger, getting it totally healthy now. So, just taking it day by day, basically, with the rehab week by week," Gronkowski said.

Huddle Up: This is Gronk we're talking about, so the headline "has shed cast" might lead you to believe he busted open a bottle of Dom at a night club and used the jagged edge to hack off his cast so he could peel his shirt off and dance the night away. Sadly, no, just so he could hold a book and read to some school kids. Is Gronk getting old already?

Posted: 2/5/2013 1:45pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) was pictured in a video landing on his surgically repaired left arm while partying at a Las Vegas nightclub.

Huddle Up: It wouldn't be the Super Bowl aftermath without a Gronk party clip going viral. The Patriots, meanwhile, would like to finish a season with a healthy Gronkowski -- something that hasn't happened since the TE's rookie season of 2010.

Posted: 1/31/2013 10:54pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski said his broken forearm is doing 'all right' and he will have plenty of time to heal during the offseason. Gronkowski added he wasn't fully confident upon his return and called the second break a 'freak accident,' while confirming the second break was in a different spot from the first break.

Huddle Up: Think it's only a coincidence that Gronkowski has been hurt early or limited in each of the Pats' postseason losses the past 2 seasons?

Posted: 1/14/2013 3:32pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will undergo surgery on his broken forearm Monday, Jan. 14, according to a league source.

Huddle Up: Gronk will miss the remainder of the Patriots' playoff run, with Aaron Hernandez and Michael Hoomanawanui picking up the slack.

Posted: 1/13/2013 7:58pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski left in the first quarter of Sunday's Divisional-Round playoff game after re-breaking his left forearm and obviously did not return.

Huddle Up: Gronkowski, who suffered his original break Nov. 18, was hurt Sunday after coming down on his casted arm attempting to make a reception on the sideline. He will now need more surgery, ending his postseason and leaving Aaron Hernandez as the team's primary TE for the AFC title game and, possibly, beyond.

Posted: 12/31/2012 12:06am et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) was active in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, and he finished with two receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown. However, he reportedly used his left forearm gingerly throughout the game. 'I was out there having a good time with my teammates. It was a blast being back out on the field,' Gronkowski said Sunday, Dec. 30.

Huddle Up: The towering TE's return was just in time to prep for the postseason, but it likely was a little too late for the majority of his fantasy owners.

Posted: 12/30/2012 4:14pm et

Confirming a previous report, New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, hip) is active for Week 17's game against the Miami Dolphins.

Huddle Up: Gronk looks like he'll at least see some limited action in the Pats' regular-season finale. He hasn't played since Week 11.

Posted: 12/29/2012 4:50pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, hip) is expected to be active for Week 17 and have a limited role in the offense.

Huddle Up: In a mild surprise, Gronk will play, but the question fantasy owners have to ask is it worth using a starting spot on a player that might only be targeted a couple of times in his first action since Week 11.

Posted: 12/28/2012 10:33pm et

Updating a previous report, New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, hip) increased his practice participation this week to a level at which he would during a normal week, but still is not expected to play in Sunday's Week 17 game.

Huddle Up: Don't count on having Gronk once again, but if you're really desperate, check back before kickoff Sunday. The problem is, though, the Pats have been shifted to a late-afternoon kickoff, so it'll be tricky ...

Posted: 12/27/2012 1:35pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) hasn't been cleared by the team's medical staff to play yet.

Huddle Up: With the Pats likely to be starting the playoffs on wild-card weekend, there's a strong chance the team will wait the extra week to bring back Gronk.

Posted: 12/26/2012 1:04pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) is considered day-to-day at this point, according to head coach Bill Belichick. 'We'll see how he is,' Belichick said. 'He did more last week than the week before and we'll see where he's at today and tomorrow when we go out there (to practice), we'll see what he can do. We'll take it day-to-day, we'll make decisions day-to-day based on where he's at. He's moving along, (he's) not ready yet. We'll take it day-to-day and see how it goes.' Belichick added any decision on Gronkowski's status for Week 17 would be medically-related and not competition-related.

Huddle Up: The Patriots probably want to get Gronkowski some game action before the playoffs, so he is more likely to play than not assuming he is medically cleared. If you have staggered to your Week 17 championship game without Gronkowski, congratulations. Check on Friday for an update on his status.

Posted: 12/22/2012 10:14pm et

Updating a previous report, New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) has been ruled out for the Week 16 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He did not travel for the game.

Huddle Up: Fantasy leagues will be Gronkless for a 5th straight week, but owners may see some of the big TE in Week 17 as the Pats may want to get him some action before the playoffs.

Posted: 12/21/2012 1:38pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) will not play in Week 16, despite practicing all week.

Huddle Up: Better to know now than sweat his status on game day. Whatever you have done to survive to the championship game without Gronkowski, keep it up.

Posted: 12/20/2012 7:19pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, hip) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 20.

Huddle Up: It's the Pats, and just about everyone is limited in every practice. Those hoping to start Gronk this week are likely going to have to have to wait until the game-time inactives are declared Sunday morning.

Posted: 12/19/2012 1:20pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) was participating during the media-access portion of practice Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Huddle Up: We are still unsure if this means he will see any game action this week. His cast came off earlier this week, but the Patriots might want to exercise caution with their big tight end. He is a must-start if he goes on Sunday, and the Patriots fortunately play in the early slate of games. Keep an eye on his status throughout the week.

Posted: 12/17/2012 5:14pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) was seen in the locker room Monday, Dec. 17, without a cast on the forearm he broke four weeks ago. Gronkowski would not comment about his availability for Week 16.

Huddle Up: If Gronkowski owners made it this far, they would no doubt welcome him back for the critical week 16 matchups. Unfortunately with the clandestine nature of the Patriots we may never know exactly what his status will be until the team takes the field. Could be a dicey situation.

Posted: 12/14/2012 2:21pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) isn't expected to return to action in Week 15 despite the fact that he is back at practice Friday, Dec. 14.

Huddle Up: Updating an earlier report, it looks like you won't have to worry about putting him into your lineup on a Sunday night matchup after all. Roll with your Plan B.

Posted: 12/14/2012 1:42pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) returned to practice Friday, Dec. 14.

Huddle Up: This might throw a wrench into your fantasy plans if you own Gronkowski. We are unsure if this means he will play, and the Patriots are notorious for playing their cards close to the vest. Unfortunately, they play on Sunday night; unless your alternate plans involve another Sunday or Monday night tight end, you will be taking a big risk if you leave Gronk in your lineup. Tread carefully.

Posted: 12/12/2012 11:02pm et

Updating a previous report, New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, hip) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 12. DT Kyle Love (not injury related) also was unable to participate.

Huddle Up: We're betting it's still another week or 2 before Gronk is ready for game action.

Posted: 12/12/2012 11:36am et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) will try to practice this week, according to a source.

Huddle Up: Gronk has been sidelined with a broken forearm, and just because he's practicing doesn't mean he'll be back on the field this weekend. In fact, Gronkowski isn't expected to play again during the regular season.

Posted: 12/7/2012 7:18pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, hip) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 7.

Huddle Up: There's been some wishful speculation in New England this week, but we're likely still a couple weeks away from a Gronk return.

Posted: 11/19/2012 12:11pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski has had surgery to repair his broken forearm, according to a league source. He will "probably" be out a few weeks, although an exact timetable for his return remains up in the air.

Huddle Up: Initial timetables put Gronk on the sidelines for 4-6 weeks, which in a best-case scenario would have him back in the lineup for fantasy championship games in Week 16. Aaron Hernandez, expected to return from his own injury this week, is the obvious fantasy beneficiary; Visanthe Shiancoe should also see an uptick in playing time and offensive involvement.

Posted: 11/19/2012 1:31am et

Updating a previous report, New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) suffered a broken forearm late in the Week 11 win against the Indianapolis Colts, a team source confirmed. Gronkowski was injured on the team's final extra point with 3:55 remaining in the fourth quarter. X-rays after the game revealed the injury.

Huddle Up: With Aaron Hernandez already out, the Pats suddenly are shorthanded at TE. At least Gronk's injury came late after he already had put up more monster numbers (7-137, 2 TDs). Check reports this week for a timetable on how much time the TE is expected to miss.

Posted: 11/8/2012 2:22pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski exploded during the second half of last season with 731 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in the final eight games. Gronkowski admitted the second half brings out the best in him. 'It always amps up. Every game matters. Every game gets bigger and bigger as the season goes on,' said Gronkowski. 'We've just got to go out there, we've got to perform. We've got to execute our plays well. I've got to be doing my job. I've got to be performing to the best of my ability. As an offense as a whole, we've just got to go out there and click and get better.'

Huddle Up: Scary to contemplate as Gronk already leads NFL TEs in fantasy points (100 in Huddle Performance scoring), receiving yards (580) and TDs (7). He's likely received some extra looks so far with fellow TE Aaron Hernandez missing all but 3 games, but then again, Gronkowski was an even larger fantasy force a year ago with Hernandez playing 14 games. Bottom line: Don't analyze too much. Just continue to reap the huge week-in, week-out advantage you get with Gronk in your fantasy lineup.

Posted: 10/28/2012 12:35pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (hip) is active for the Week 8 game against the St. Louis Rams despite being listed as questionable with a nagging hip injury.

Huddle Up: Gronk is a go.

Posted: 10/19/2012 6:01pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (hip) was limited in practice Friday, Oct. 19, and is questionable for the team's Week 7 game.

Huddle Up: Nothing new to see here. Gronkowski and his cohorts seem to be questionable every week, and they have played every week. Welker and others on the list should be good to go this weekend.

Posted: 10/4/2012 10:13pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (hip) was limited in practice Thursday, Oct. 4.

Huddle Up: Gronk sat out Wednesday, but returned to put in some limited work Thursday -- always a good sign as game day draws nearer. The Pats definitely could use his services with fellow TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle) expected to miss a third straight game.

Posted: 10/3/2012 11:07am et

The New England Patriots managed TE Rob Gronkowski's playing time by resting him for one series in each half of the team's Week 4 game. Gronkowski typically plays every offensive snap.

Huddle Up: Gronk was a late add to last week's injury report with a hip injury, but if all it costs him is a series then fantasy owners don't have too much to worry about.

Posted: 9/29/2012 11:39pm et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (hip) is expected to play in the Week 4 game against the Buffalo Bills despite being listed as questionable.

Huddle Up: Not that he's a go, Gronk's fantasy owners will be hoping for more than the 2 receptions for 21 yards he had last week when he was called upon to block more than usual against the Ravens.

Posted: 9/3/2012 1:07am et

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle) is ready for the start of the regular season, and his surgically repaired left ankle is healed. He said he is anxious, and looking forward to Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. 'Yes, you did in big, physically, mentally, everything,' Gronkowski said Sunday, Sept. 2. 'You're getting ready. It's game-time now. This is what counts.'

Huddle Up: Gronk set the TE bar at a historic high last season with his 90-catch, 1,327-yard, 18 total TD performance. There's almost no chance he'll be able to match those numbers, but it would be a mistake to underestimate Gronkowski's motivation after his ankle injury played a major role in the Patriots' Super Bowl defeat.