Rob Gronkowski took a big hit in the game against Seattle; the question is how significant were the effects. Ian Rapoport said yesterday that Gronk had a punctured lung, an injury which would no doubt sideline him for this week and possibly beyond. Adam Schefter, though, said bruised chest, and not overly serious.
The Boston Globe sheds no new light on the subject. Bill Belichick probably won't give us anything to go on either.
If Gronk can't go, Martellus Bennett looks better this week in a soft matchup (at San Francisco). Bennett is no doubt already owned in every league, so waiver claims shouldn't be an issue. There might not be any clarity on the injury before Friday, but somebody is certainly off the mark here.
San Francisco has allowed only 2 TDs to tight ends, but the two best players it's faced this season -- Greg Olsen and Jimmy Graham -- each went over 100 yards and scored. So Bennett will have some appeal if it Rapoport is closer to the truth.
In any case, those with Gronkowski should be exploring backup options just in case.
--Andy Richardson