Happy Rob Gronkowski Day! At long last, we might witness one of the greatest tight ends of all time returning to the field in one of the most talented offenses (on paper) in recent memory. If Gronk is a “go,” can fantasy football managers trust him as a locked-in TE1 in Week 11?
Rob Gronkowski’s injury risks
We have witnessed many talented tight ends find their promising careers cut short by a litany of injuries: Jordan Reed, Tyler Eifert, and even Jimmy Graham (who’s never been the same after his 2015 patellar tendon tear). Greatness at this position historically has been fleeting. The endurance/longevity of all-time greats like Travis Kelce, Tony Gonzalez, and Antonio Gates have been more the exception than the rule.
Gronkowski is in his own bubble — an all-time great who has weathered one injury-plagued season after another. Yet, he remains a high-upside option whenever he suits up. The risk, as always, is that he could get re-injured at any time. The same could happen to anyone. But it’s different with Gronk. His floor is as low as any other TE1 because his re-injury risk is arguably greater than any other TE1.
Should fantasy managers confidently start Gronk in Week 11?
We haven’t seen Gronkowski on the field since Week 8 due to back spasms. Before that, he’d been out since Week 3 with multiple broken ribs and a punctured lung. Monday Night Football might mark a return to relative normalcy, as he practiced Thursday and Friday before resting Saturday. Barring a setback, he appears poised to start against the Giants.
Unless you happen to have a second elite TE, I can’t advise starting a likely 6-10 point option in place of Gronk. Neither O.J. Howard nor Cameron Brate have stepped up in the interim. Antonio Brown is still out. The formerly locked-in 6-1 Bucs are coming off two straight losses with tough matchups against the Colts and Bills looming.
By all accounts, Monday is a must-win game. 8% of Tom Brady’s career pass attempts and completions have gone to Gronk. Their chemistry is legendary. As long as Gronk remains healthy, he’ll get his points.
We can never start Gronk with confidence. But if you’re looking for an elite TE, he’s always worth the risk.