NFL

There's no official timetable for Gronk's return yet, but his season is not over. Earlier reports have him missing at least four weeks in a best-case scenario. That means he could see limited time in Weeks 16 or 17 as a tuneup for the playoffs. In the meantime, the Patriots are tentatively expected to get Aaron Hernandez (ankle) back Thursday and Julian Edelman also figures to see more snaps. Daniel Fells will fill in as the blocking tight end.