FOXBORO -- Rob Gronkowski did not play in Sunday night's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but his return to Patriots practice late last week has many wondering if the tight end will be ready to make his return from a four-game absence on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jags' coach Mike Mularkey said on Wednesday that his team is indeed preparing for a Gronkowski return.
"Yes, yes we will," said Mularkey, when asked if he'll prepare for the Patriots' tight end.
"He's obviously a threat we've got to be aware of on all plays," added Mularkey. "We've got to be aware of everybody. I had Wes Welker in Miami with me, so I know everything about Wes, his capabilities, his toughness, and everything about the guy. That just puts more burden on us that they've got Gronkowski coming back, and we've got to prep for that, which we are going to."
Gronkowski was present during the media access portion of today's Patriots practice.