Gronkowski is just waiting for medical clearance to get back on the field.
FOXBOROUGH – Rob Gronkowski has grown tired of being a spectator. He's watched five games from the sidelines, and is now doing everything he can to make sure he doesn't see a sixth.
But despite that effort and participating in the last five practices after suffering a broken forearm Nov. 18, he's yet to receive medical clearance from the team doctors. Coach Bill Belichick said that Gronkowski still hadn't received a clean bill of health as of Wednesday, but that could change in time for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
"When they know it's safe and sound and ready to go, that's when it will be ready to go," Gronkowski said. "I trust in that. I'm anxious to get out there."
"There's nothing more important than the player's health and safety. When they're cleared to play, then we make playing decisions," Belichick said. "If they're not cleared to play; then there's no decision to make. I don't think that's a decision a coach makes or influences."
Gronkowski feels that he's in good enough shape to step back on the field and contribute at any point, whether that moment comes Sunday or during the playoffs. He also added that his arm feels good after having a metal rod placed in it the day after suffering the initial injury.
The Patriots have maintained during his absence, winning four of five games while using a combination of Aaron Hernandez, Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui to fill his various roles. Gronkowski had 53 receptions for 748 yards and 10 touchdowns at the time of his injury.
Seeing his teammates carry on without him has made him even hungrier to get back on the field.
"Your teammates always put it on the line for you, and that's why I want to be out there – to put it on the line for them," Gronkowski said.
To get there, he's just going to stay the course and do whatever the trainers tell him to do.
"Just listening to the trainers everyday, what they had me doing to get back on the field and get me healthy," he said. "So far I'd say it's going pretty well. Just gotta keep doing what I've been doing."