The wait is over.
New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski will make his 2016 debut against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The All-Pro tight end missed the first two games of the season with an injured hamstring and was questionable to play this week after being limited in practice.
How much he’ll actually play remains to be seen, but Gronkowski is a sight for sore eyes as the Patriots will be starting a rookie quarterback against the Texans. Jacoby Brissett takes over under center after Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Receiver Julian Edelman is the emergency quarterback if Brissett is injured during the game.
Having Gronkowski available to throw to should help the young QB in his first career start, as will a strong run game. The Patriots have the seventh-most rushing yards with 267 though the first two games.
