Rob Gronkowski Injury: Updates on Patriots TE's Hamstring and Return

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has battled hamstring issues all year, but he's been active since Week 3.

Continue for updates.

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Gronkowski Active vs. Browns

Sunday, Oct. 9

The Patriots announced that Gronkowski will play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. 

"Gronkowski had by far his best week of practice since returning from an injured hamstring, sources said, and is primed to be featured more prominently in New England's passing game Sunday," CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora reported Sunday morning.

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Latest on Gronkowski's Practice Status

Friday, Oct. 7

The Patriots listed Gronkowski as limited at Friday's practice.

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Gronk's Hamstring Still a Problem

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Per NFL.com's Chris Wesseling, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo cited a source who said New England's All-Pro tight end "is not right," and his hamstring "has not come along" the way the team hoped.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network added the Patriots are aware of Gronkowski's lingering problems, and that's why he's being used on so few routes.

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Gronkowski Has Been Limited in 2016

The Patriots opened this season without quarterback Tom Brady for the first four games.

Even without Brady and essentially no Gronkowski, who has just one catch and three targets in two games, the Patriots are off to a 3-1 start and get Brady back this week.

There was a two-season stretch from 2012 to 2013 when Gronkowski was prone to injuries. He missed 14 games over that span but has rebounded to become one of the most unstoppable weapons in the NFL. He totaled 2,300 receiving yards and 23 touchdown catches over the last two seasons.

The Patriots do have veteran Martellus Bennett as their second tight end. He's not the player Gronkowski is, but his size does make him a matchup problem in the red zone and should be relied upon if Gronkowski is forced to the sidelines in the future.