Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski cannot return in 2019, his deadline to return this season was Saturday November 30th by 4:00 PM, Adam Schefter reports.

Fantasy Impact

Gronk will not be eligible to return until after the Super Bowl. There have been rumblings that he would return this year, but those rumors can be laid to rest as he officially cannot return in 2019. Gronk is a hold in dynasty leagues as he could return in 2020 after taking this season off.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting that the deadline for former Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski to come out of retirement to play in 2019 falls on November 30.

Fantasy Impact

While Gronkowski has hinted toward coming out of retirement this season. Plus, the fact that Patriots owner Robert Kraft has made it known that the team would certainly welcome him back, the likely future Hall of Fame tight end has recently "shown no signs of moving to return to play." Barring a drastic change of heart, it looks like the Patriots will enter the back-end of the season and postseason with Ben Watson, Ryan Izzo, and company at tight end.

Rob Gronkowski's return to football was hinted at by former Patriots great Willie McGinest on Instagram late Saturday night. The post shows Gronkowski playing catch, and the caption indicates that big news about a comeback will "drop tomorrow night."

Fantasy Impact

Obviously, this could mean anything and, in the video, McGinest mentions a 'quarterback comeback.' Drew Bledsoe can also be seen in the video, and his return to football is highly unlikely. Regardless, stay tuned for whatever announcement McGinest is teasing on Sunday night.

Rob Gronkowski leaves the door open for a return to football down the line. It won't happen "in a week or a month" but could happen in the future, said Rob Gronkowski.

Fantasy Impact

If Gronk were to return, he would need some time to get himself into football shape, and could make an impact mid-season. Earlier reports stated that Gronk had a 40 percent chance of returning, but his latest comments might have increased those odds. Gronk currently seems committed to staying away from the game, but this could change as the NFL season draws closer. He noted Tuesday that "for the first time in more than a decade, (he is) pain-free." Gronk finished with 47 catches, 682 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games last season.

Rob Gronkowski chances of returning to play for the Patriots this season is 40 percent, according a "source close to Rob Gronkowski"

Fantasy Impact

Gronk is down 18 pounds this off-season and hasn't ruled out the possibility of returning at some point in the season. He is expected to at least sit out training camp and the preseason. If he does return, Gronkowski would need some time to get himself into football shape, and could make an impact mid-season. Gronk could miss playing enough to at least contemplate a comeback, but for now he is officially retired. Stay tuned.