Marcus Spears believes Tom Brady can figure out the Patriots defense and explains how the Buccaneers defense will use this game in order to get back on track. (1:02).
Can Tom Brady win his Foxborough return (1:02)
TAMPA (FL) -- Bruce Arians, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' coach, said Friday that Rob Gronkowski (ribs), tight end, will be a game time decision against the New England Patriots. However, the team later classified him as doubtful in its final injury report.
Arians stated that Jason Pierre-Paul, outside linebacker (hand, shoulder), will be a game time decision against the Patriots.
Gronkowski, who missed two days of practice this week due to illness, returned to practice on Friday. Pierre-Paul was absent from practice since Sept. 15. Monday's Arians stated that he didn't foresee Pierre-Paul playing this week.
Gronkowski has been a potent weapon in the red zone for the Bucs this season. Pierre-Paul, on the other hand, has been an emotional leader of a defense with only three sacks through its first three games.
Giovani Bernard, running back (knee), is out. Jamel Dean, cornerback (knee), is also out so the Bucs will not have two of their three starting cornerbacks. Richard Sherman, who signed on Wednesday with the team, will be available.
Arians stated, "We'll have to have him up just in case."
Sherman stated that he would take about a week for him to become comfortable in the Bucs' environment.
Bruce Arians, Bucs coach, said Friday that Rob Gronkowski (ribs), is a tight end.
