New England

Gronk Says He's Back, While Brady's Status Unclear

While Rob Gronkowski confirmed that he's good to go for Sunday's game vs. the New York Jets, the status of Tom Brady remains a bit murky.

Multiple reports indicate that Brady is still expected to play in Sunday's game despite a knee injury that caused him to have limited participation in Wednesday's practice for the Patriots, but he is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's tilt at MetLife Stadium.

Brady did not participate in Friday's practice, per the official team practice report, due to a knee injury and an illness. He's believed to have suffered the knee injury in New England's most recent game on Nov. 11 in Tennessee.

Brady hasn't missed a start due to injury since the 2008 season, when he missed the final 15 games after suffering a torn ACL in the Patriots' season opener vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Those 15 games, as well as his four-game suspension due to DeflateGate at the start of the 2016 season, are the only games Brady has missed since becoming New England's starting quarterback for Week 3 in the 2001 season.

Originally slated to speak with the media on Friday, Brady's press conference was cancelled.

Gronkowski, on the other hand, after missing three of the last four games for the Patriots, told reporters in Foxboro that he feels good and he's ready to play.

"I'm definitely ready to get back out there," Gronkowski said. "Good to go. I'm excited to get back out there with the team on Sundays and play some ball."

Asked if he caught passes from Brady today, Gronkowski said that he did.

"I didn't say where," Gronkowski added.

Gronkowski is officially listed as questionable for the Patriots, as is guard Shaq Mason, running back Sony Michel and special teamer Nate Ebner. Tight end Dwayne Allen has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game.

The Patriots are 7-3 and have a two-game lead over the Miami Dolphins for first place in the AFC East. They currently sit in third place in the AFC, and if the season ended today would be playing a game on wild-card weekend for the first time since 2009.

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