Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski Will Reportedly Return to Lineup Sunday vs. Dolphins

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will reportedly be back on the field for his team’s final game of the regular season against the Miami Dolphins. 

Comcast SportsNet New England’s Tom E. Curran reported the news on Gronkowski’s recovery via Twitter.

"

Expect to see Rob Gronkowski suited up and playing Sunday in at least a limited role, according to a source. #PatriotsTalk

— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) December 29, 2012"

The star tight end broke his forearm in the Week 11 blowout victory over the Indianapolis Colts and has not played since then.

Despite missing the past five games, Gronkowski is still tied for sixth in the NFL with 10 touchdown catches this season. He also has 53 catches and 748 receiving yards. 

He is one of the league’s premier red-zone threats, and his return will give the New England offense a noticeable boost. 

The Patriots can move all the way up to the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff picture this weekend with a victory over the Dolphins and losses by the Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos. However, the team could also drop to the No. 4 seed with a loss and a Baltimore Ravens win. 

While the Patriots have won eight of their last nine games, their previous two contests have been a loss to the San Francisco 49ers and a surprisingly unimpressive victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With Gronkowski back in the lineup, New England has a chance to build momentum heading into the playoffs as they attempt to return to the Super Bowl.