Gronk doubtful for return to Foxborough due to injured ribs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers listed tight end Rob Gronkowski as doubtful for his return to New England on Sunday as he deals with injured ribs.

Earlier, Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said the former Patriots star will be a game-time decision. Gronkowski missed practice all week after injuring his ribs in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams. X-rays reportedly came back negative.

Gronkowski played in Foxborough from 2010-18, winning three Super Bowls and catching a franchise-record 79 touchdowns. The future Hall of Famer joined the Buccaneers in 2020 after a one-year retirement and has never played at Gillette Stadium as a member of the opposing team.

Gronkowski got off to a strong start this year, notching 184 yards and four touchdowns over the first three contests. O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate are candidates to take his spot in the starting lineup.

The Buccaneers listed defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul as questionable with a shoulder injury, but Arians said he'll also be a game-time call.

The Buccaneers-Patriots game is expected to be one of the most-watched ever, as it marks Tom Brady's return to New England, where he played 20 seasons and won six Super Bowls.

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