Coach Bruce Arians said Monday that he's not sure whether Gronkowski (back) will be available for Sunday's game against Washington, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gronkowski is coming off a bye, but it looks like he's still troubled enough by back spasms to make his availability unclear. At least a bit more clarity regarding the veteran tight end's status should be available by the time Wednesday's first official injury report of the week is posted. If Gronkowski is unable to suit up at Washington, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate will operate as Tampa Bay's top tight ends.

Gronkowski has been ruled out of Sunday's game at New Orleans due to back spasms, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gronkowski was making his first appearance Sunday since Week 3, when he suffered cracked and broken ribs and a punctured lung. He now is dealing with a new health concern, emerging from Week 8 with no catches on just one target. In Gronkowski's absence, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate again are Tampa Bay's available tight ends.

Gronkowski (ribs) is active for Sunday's game against the Saints, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

There was a healthy amount of optimism Gronkowski would be able to make his return from a four-game absence against New Orleans for Sunday's important divisional clash, and that has now been validated. Although Gronkowski's active status certainly is welcome news for both the Bucs and fantasy managers, it's worth noting that Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports the veteran could be on a more truncated snap count than usual, with O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate available to spell him whenever necessary.

Gronkowski (ribs), who is listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Saints but may be used on a situational basis, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

After missing the Bucs' last four contests with rib and lung injuries, Gronkowski is being treated as a game-time call leading up to the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, but he looks like he'll be able to suit up if he experiences no setbacks during warmups. However, based on Stroud's report, don't expect Gronkowski to take on the 80-plus-percent snap shares he enjoyed when he was healthy during the first two weeks of the season. Stroud speculates that Gronkowski will remain a factor in the red zone and on key downs, but O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate could both rotate in to spell him throughout the day.

Gronkowski (ribs) is viewed as a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Saints, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rapoport suggests that Gronkowski -- who last suited up Sept. 26 -- will likely work out before the contest to be sure he's ready to go, but the Buccaneers reportedly have some optimism about the tight end suiting up following a four-game absence. Official confirmation of Gronkowski's status will arrive once the Buccaneers release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.

Gronkowski (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in New Orleans, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Bucs listed Gronkowski as a limited practice participant Wednesday through Friday, after coach Bruce Arians said Monday that he was hopeful for a return this week. Arians didn't comment on his expectations for Gronkowski at the end of the week, but it's possible there's some form of update before Sunday. The Bucs and Saints are scheduled for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, with O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate on hand to fill in at tight end if Gronkowski misses another week.

Gronkowski (ribs) practiced in full Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

It wouldn't have surprised if Gronkowski eased into his return to practice this week -- i.e. remain limited Wednesday through Friday -- due to the serious injuries he suffered back in Week 3. But the veteran tight end followed up Wednesday's capped session with an uninhibited showing one day later, setting himself up for a return Sunday at New Orleans. As for the rest of the position group, fellow tight end O.J. Howard (ankle) again was limited Thursday, while Cameron Brate continues to avoid the practice report.

Gronkowski (ribs) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Carmen Vitali of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gronkowski got back on the practice field for the first time since he suffered cracked and fractured ribs and a punctured lung Week 3. Head coach Bruce Arians expressed hope Monday that Gronkowski will be able to return for Sunday's visit to New Orleans, and he's setting himself up to do just that with Wednesday's appearance at practice. Still, Gronkowski's status should be monitored closely Thursday and Friday, as the Buccaneers could give him a maintenance day as he gets back into the swing of things. As for the rest of the team's tight end group, O.J. Howard (ankle) was also limited Wednesday, leaving Cameron Brate as the only healthy player at the position.

Gronkowski (ribs) returned to practice Wednesday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the extent of his participation remains to be seen, Gronkowski's return to the field in any capacity is a big step in the right direction after four consecutive missed games due to a punctured lung and fractured and cracked ribs. The Bucs don't have much reason to rush Gronkowski back into action after a serious injury, but they'll want him out there Sunday in New Orleans if he's truly healthy. Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard both have been fairly quiet while forming a tight-end committee in Gronkowski's absence.

Coach Bruce Arians said Monday that he's hopeful Gronkowski (ribs) will be back on the field for Sunday's game against the Saints, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gronkowski has missed four straight games due to a punctured lung and fractured ribs, but it looks like he's making tangible progress in his recovery. The Buccaneers will go on bye after Sunday's road matchup against the Saints, so the team could always still opt to give Gronkowski extra rest and wait until Nov. 14 at Washington to have him retake the field.