Rob Gronkowski likely to be active for New England Patriots on Sunday

New England Patriots fans and disgruntled fantasy owners around the country might have something to be smiling about when Sunday rolls around.

After five-weeks-worth of “will he-won’t he?” reports, it appears that tight end Rob Gronkowski is likely to be cleared for action and make his season debut Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

The Patriots haven’t officially announced anything about Gronkowski's status, a person with knowledge of the situation speaking on the condition of anonymity claims that the 24-year-old Pro Bowler will be active on Sunday.

Gronkowski has been held out of game action since he had surgery on June 18 to correct a spinal issue that hampered him last season. He has been inactive for the Patriots' first five games, including Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. In addition to the back surgery, Gronkowski has also been recovering from an infection related to his broken forearm.

After compiling 187 catches for 2,663 yards and 38 touchdowns in three seasons, Gronkowski has established himself as one of the premier tight ends in the NFL. The Patriots, who currently rank 21st in the NFL in passing, will be glad to have him back.