play
Stephen A. and Mad Dog clash on Bucs' Super Bowl chances (2:01)

Stephen A. Smith and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo don't agree on whether or not the Bolts will make it to the Superbowl. It takes 2 minutes.

4:59 AM ET

Tom Brady came out of retirement, but the same can't be said for Rob Gronkowski.

According to sources, the Buccaneers aren't counting on Gronkowski to return in the opener against the Cowboys.

The hope was that Brady could help convince Gronkowski to come back. According to sources, at least for the time being, they believe that he has moved on with his life.

The five-time Pro Bowl tight end would want an opportunity with a Super Bowl contender that needed him and was worth the wait.

All four of Brady's Super Bowl victories were achieved with the help of Rob Gronkowski, who retired in June after 11 years in the National Football League.

Brady and the Bucs will rely on veterans and rookies at the tight end position.

Although they won't be able to replace the 6-foot-8 Gronkowski, they believe they have added a receiver that can do the job. Those who watched the Buccaneers this summer were impressed with how big of a player Jones was.