Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski likely to play Sunday vs. Saints

Tom Pelissero | USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots need help on offense. There's a good chance they'll get it this week.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski is likely to be cleared and make his season debut Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Patriots hadn't announced anything about Gronkowski's status.

Gronkowski, 24, underwent surgery June 18 to correct a spinal issue that nagged him last season. He was activated from the physically unable to perform list last month but has been limited in practice and missed the Patriots' first five games, including Sunday's 13-6 loss at Cincinnati.

It remains to be seen how quickly Gronkowski can return to all-pro form considering he has been inactive since the Patriots were eliminated from the playoffs in late January — first because of an infection related to his broken forearm, then because of the back surgery.

Gronkowski has 187 catches for 2,663 yards and 38 touchdowns in three seasons. Coupled with injuries that have limited slot receiver Danny Amendola to two games, the Patriots' offense has scuffled. They rank 21st in the NFL in passing.

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