Despite the Patriots being what many consider shorthanded, they’ve managed to go 4-1 and the top of the AFC East Division. Still they are without star tight end Rob Gronkowski and his increased absence is reportedly mounting tensions amongst the team. Read more after the jump.
Dr. James Andrews recommended that Gronkowski sit out Week Six’s game against the Saints because of continuing concerns about the forearm problems. However according to Ed Werder of ESPN, there’s been “escalated tension” around the team about Gronkowski’s continued absence from the lineup.
Werder quotes a source as saying that Gronkowski’s created “curiosity and resentment” by going all out at practice and looking good before sitting out on Sunday and that teammates have started expressing their frustration directly to the tight end. There’s reportedly doubt among some in New England that Gronkowski could do everything he does at practice without having full clearance from doctors.
“If he’s not playing in games, he damn sure should not be doing what he is in practice,” Werder’s source said.
