Patriots-Buccaneers Injury Report: J.C. Jackson Among 8 Pats Listed As Questionable; Rob Gronkowski Listed As Doubtful
BOSTON (CBS) -- We'll have to wait until Sunday evening to find out if Rob Gronkowski will suit up against the Patriots, but the Buccaneers tight end is officially listed as "doubtful" on Friday's injury report.
Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians called Gronkowski a game-time decision earlier in the day Friday. Gronk returned to the practice field for Tampa on Friday after missing the previous two days with a rib injury that he suffered during a Week 3 loss to the L.A. Rams.
The former Patriots tight end will travel to New England, but the Buccaneers will keep Bill Belichick and Co. guessing as to whether Gronk will play or not. For the season, Gronk has caught 16 passes from Tom Brady for 184 yards and four touchdowns.
Tampa Bay linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul, also classified as a game-time decision by Arians, is listed as questionable on Friday's injury report as he deals with a shoulder injury. Buccaneers running back Giovani Bernard and cornerback Jamel Dean have both been ruled out for Sunday's game with knee injuries.
Newly-signed corner Richard Sherman will be active for Sunday's game, according to Arians, after he signed with the Buccaneers on Wednesday. That should help Tampa fill the void left by the absence of Dean, the team's No. 2 corner.
For New England, eight players are listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers:
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, Shoulder
T Trent Brown, Calf
S Kyle Dugger, Hamstring
K Nick Folk, Left Knee
CB J.C. Jackson, Knee
LB Josh Uche, Back
LB Kyle Van Noy, Groin
T Isaiah Wynn, Knee
Jackson is the big addition to the list, as he popped up as a limited participant in Friday's practice with a knee injury. If he is forced to sit out the game, it would obviously leave the New England secondary extremely shorthanded against a powerful Tampa Bay passing offense.
Running back James White, who was moved to IR and is done for the season, is the only Patriots player to be ruled out for Sunday's game.