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Tight end Rob Gronkowski retired from the NFL this past offseason after playing in the league since 2010. He most recently played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as he teamed up with Tom Brady for the second time in his career.
Gronk initially retired following the 2018 season but returned a season later in 2020. He was traded from the New England Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a compensatory fourth-round pick that year.
The Bucs were upset 20-18 by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. To add to their woes, tight end Cameron Brate left the game with a head injury and was stretchered off the field.
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Due to the loss of Brate, analyst Skip Bayless has urged Gronkowski to return to the Bucs to help them out. He added that his old teammate Tom Brady needs him. The NFL analyst tweeted:
"Cameron Brate suffers another head injury, carted off. Very scary. Gronk: your best buddy Tommy really needs you now."
Tight end Kyle Rudolph is currently hurt as well and Brate could miss some time with a possible concussion.
Rob Gronkowski was impactful in two seasons with Buccaneers
When Rob Gronkowski was acquired by the Buccaneers in 2020, he was expected to be a major part of their offense. He started all 16 regular-season games for the team and recorded 45 catches, 623 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns.
He continued his productivity in the post-season. Gronk recorded eight receptions for 110 yards and a pair of touchdowns while helping the Bucs win Super Bowl LV over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Gronkowski was even more productive in his second season with the team. He played four fewer games as the team exited in the playoffs but recorded 10 more catches (55) for 179 more yards (802 yards) and six touchdowns.
Although unlikely, the Bucs could phone Gronk at some point this season. His return might be the only way left for the team to salvage their season. They are 3-3 currently in the season and their next challenge is facing Carolina Panthers.
