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Rob Gronkowski is not going to be available to assist Tom Brady of their matchup in opposition to Invoice Belichick and the Patriots.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday that Gronkowski is not going to journey to New England, and he’ll miss the “Sunday Evening Soccer” matchup in opposition to the Patriots.
Bucs’ TE Rob Gronkowski isn’t making the journey to New England right this moment resulting from his rib damage and he might be out Sunday night time vs. New England, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2021
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Gronkowksi has been off to a quick begin this season as he is hauled in 16 passes for 184 yards with 4 touchdowns. He opened the 2021 marketing campaign with back-to-back video games with two landing receptions.
Whereas all eyes might be on the return of Brady to New England, it could even have marked the primary time Gronkowski has returned to face off in opposition to his outdated group. He spent the primary 9 seasons of his profession beneath Belichick. He caught 521 passes with 79 touchdowns and seven,861 yards.
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The Buccaneers have loads of depth at tight finish to have the ability to change Gronkowski. O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate have each been standout receiving choices prior to now, although they’ve solely mixed for seven receptions for 75 yards this season.
Howard began his profession with two consecutive campaigns of a minimum of 5 receiving touchdowns and three straight seasons with a minimum of 400 receiving yards. Brate had back-to-back 500-yard receiving seasons in 2016 and 2017 in Tampa Bay. Each noticed their utilization within the passing recreation diminish with Gronkowski becoming a member of Brady final season.
In his first season in Tampa Bay, Gronkowski caught 45 passes for 623 yards and 7 touchdowns.
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The Patriots to date have been sturdy defending in opposition to tight ends. They’re tied for an NFL-low 4 receptions and 27 receiving yards allowed to tight ends by the primary three video games of the season. Total, New England has allowed the second-fewest passing yards to opponents this season at simply 479. There has solely been three passing touchdowns allowed by New England, whereas its protection has picked off 5 passes.
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