GronkNation

11.24.18

Patriots vs Jets Preview: Gronk Says He’s ‘Ready to Roll,' as Josh McCowan Steps in for Sam Darnold

Posted by: Gronkowski

We’ve bad news for Jets fans – Gronk is back and gearing up for a New York invasion. 

After sitting out the last two games before the BYE week, Rob and the Patriots are about to take Manhattan on Sunday for the first of this season’s matchups against the Jets.

While he’s still officially listed as questionable, Rob took himself off the IR on Friday, telling reporters he was "good to go. Excited to be back out there on Sundays ... I'm excited to be back out there, and I'll be ready to roll.”

When asked if he was concerned about his back, he replied: "I'm not worried. I feel good. I'm just ready for Sunday," according to NFL.com.

Tom Brady was listed as questionable, however, and missed practice on Friday. Gronk was of course grilled on the absent QB but refused to give away any information to reporters – even dodging a trick question like a pro.

Assuming/hoping/praying that Brady does play, he’s on point to make NFL history. With rookie QB Sam Darnold officially out on Sunday with a foot injury, 39-year-old Josh McCowan will play – making it the second-largest combined age (80 years, 258 days) of two starting QBs since the 1970 merger, per Elias. 

The only quarterback matchup with a larger combined age was Vinny Testaverde (44) vs. Brett Favre (38) in 2007 (82 years, 44 days), ESPN reported.

"Smart, really handles himself well," Belichick said of the Jets backup QB. "He’s always had a lot of responsibility at the line of scrimmage to audible plays, change protections, things like that. I think he sees the defense well, certainly knows what they’re doing. He’s got a good arm, he’s got good size, athletic, can avoid the rush, make plays out of the pocket ... Everybody that’s been with him seems to have a lot of respect for the way he carries himself and the way he prepares and all that."

After missing much of this season after suffering a neck injury Week 3 in Detroit, Rex Burkhead is also expected to play Sunday. The running back was late to practice on Tuesday but he had a damn good excuse – his wife Danielle gave birth to their first son, Jett. We’re not sure if that name had anything to do with who the Pats are facing this week … but huge congratulations to No. 34 either way!

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