Schefter: Rob Gronkowski to Play Through Ankle Injury vs. Colts in Week 5

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will reportedly have one of his key playmakers at his disposal during Thursday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, tight end Rob Gronkowski "is expected to be active" for the contest even though an ankle injury impacted his practice time leading up to the Week 5 matchup.

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk pointed out Gronkowski and wide receiver Julian Edelman will share the field for the first time since Nov. 27, 2016. Edelman missed last season with a torn ACL and was suspended for the first four games this year, while Gronkowski missed the end of the 2016 campaign with a back injury.

With Edelman and Josh Gordon on the field, the Colts will be hard-pressed to consistently double Gronkowski, even if he is one of the most difficult single-coverage matchups in the league when at 100 percent.

The five-time Pro Bowler and four-time First Team All-Pro has been the target of additional defensive coverage with Edelman sidelined and Gordon just working his way into the rotation after the Patriots acquired him from the Cleveland Browns.

Gronkowski has 17 catches for 233 yards and one touchdown through four games this season, although 123 of those yards and the score came in the opener against the Houston Texans.