Pats Beat: 'Wouldn't be surprised' if TE Rob Gronkowski sits Week 2

Sep 17, 2016

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is officially questionable for Sunday's home opener against the Miami Dolphins, and several followers on Twitter have asked my thoughts on if he'll play.

Based on what I saw in a limited peek at practice this week, my feeling is that it wouldn't be a surprise if Gronkowski remains sidelined. He is still limited. For example, when players went through a gauntlet in which teammates whacked them with pads in an attempt to jar the ball free, Gronkowski only played the role of the "whacker" and never ran through.

Fantasy Impact:

Former Pats assistant coach Michael Lombardi was quoted in the story as saying Bill Belichick's philosophy is if a player is injured a team is better off playing a backup. That may especially be true in Week 2 after coming off a Week 1 win without Tom Brady. It's only one opinion, but owners should prepare a backup plan.

today

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans practices for second straight day

Greg Auman

0 minutes ago

Cooler weather for Bucs practice today -- Wirfs and Evans practicing again. Still no Zyon McCollum, but Troy Hill and Greg Gaines were practicing today.

Related Players: Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer

Fantasy Impact:

Fantastic news for fantasy managers hanging on to Mike Evans: he should be considered a WR1 option immediately.

yesterday

49ers TE George Kittle "good to go" for Week 12

KNBR

yesterday · 5:34 PM EST

“I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited, can’t pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure.”

George Kittle says he’s good to go for Sunday

Related Players: Eric Saubert

Fantasy Impact:

Kittle returns to a great matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in TE aFPA. He should be fired up as a high-end TE1 once again.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift misses Wednesday practice

Kevin Fishbain

yesterday · 1:29 PM EST

Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus: Ryan Bates remains in the concussion protocol. Elijah Hicks (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (groin) won't practice.

Teven Jenkins will be limited.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer

Fantasy Impact:

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, as Johnson would have a huge workload if Swift were to miss Week 12. Homer has three rush attempts and zero targets on the year.