Rob Gronkowski has not been medically cleared for Sunday

Tight end Rob Gronkowski has not been medically cleared to play on Sunday when the New England Patriots take on the New Orleans Saints despite many reports earlier this week claiming the opposite.

Gronkowski could be cleared today or tomorrow but there is now far less optimism regarding the situation, per a league source. Renowned physician Dr. James Andrews will make the final call about Gronkowski’s status after he looks at scans of the NFL star’s twice-broken forearm.

Gronkowski and his family reportedly have lingering concerns about his repaired left arm because of the initial procedure that was performed by Patriots doctor Tom Gill.

One source with knowledge of the situation told Boston-area radio station WEEI that there is “serious concern” about the integrity of the bone because of an implement, or device, that was placed in the forearm to expedite the healing process..

According to the report:

“The source indicated that if the bone had healed on its own without an implement, there might have been no infection. However, there now are concerns that an abscess developed, causing infection and likely weakening the bone. This prompted three more surgeries in the offseason on the forearm, separate from the procedure on his back.

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WEEI.com has learned from multiple industry sources that the arm, injured initially on Nov. 18, 2012, against the Colts, might have healed properly on its own with no surgery necessary. But the team and Gronkowski, perhaps looking to hasten his return to the field, decided upon surgery to use an implement in hopes he would be ready for the playoffs.”

New England fans and fantasy owners should brace themselves for a Gronkowski-less Week Six.