Dan Gronkowski Returns To The Patriots

One of the great buddy comedies (that hadn't been created) was nipped in the bud a few weeks back when the New England Patriots cut tight end Dan Gronkowski.

Well fear not, Patriots and Gronk fans, because Rob's older brother is back! After waiving offensive tackle Thomas Welch on Monday, the Pats had an extra roster spot available.

Dan played in the first two games of the season for New England (at Miami and vs. San Diego) but he was cut after injuring his hamstring. He's known more for his blocking prowess than receiving abilities. Along those lines, who knew Rob could block like he has the last few games?

For a time this season with Aaron Hernandez out with a knee injury, the Patriots made the risky decision to play with only one active tight end (Rob Gronkowski) against the Bills. Hernandez returned against the Jets on Sunday and while he wasn't at full speed, just having him out on the field opened some lanes for Tom Brady, Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

If you're a fan of the Gronkowski brothers, and who isn't, Chris Gronkowski (the third brother in the NFL) comes to Gillette Stadium on December 4th with his team, the Indianapolis Colts. By then maybe he'll be on the Patriots too. It sounds insane but I wouldn't be shocked to see that happen.

All I know is that two Gronks is better than one.

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Welch Promoted From Practice Squad, Ventrone Released; 3 More Declared Out

As I said last week, you never know what you're going to get in terms of the bottom of the New England Patriots' roster once gameday rolls around.

Today, the Pats announced that offensive lineman Thomas Welch was promoted from the practice squad while safety Ross Ventrone was released (expect him to go back to the practice squad, where he spent the first two weeks of the 2011 season) after getting activated for one week of glory against the Bills.

Welch was a 2010 seventh-round draft pick of New England, who was active in Week 1 against Miami before being released and re-signed to the practice squad (get the picture?).

With Sebastian Vollmer out tomorrow against the Oakland Raiders, rookie Nate Solder is expected to start at right tackle and Welch will add some depth to the offensive linemen.

Ventrone's release likely signals that safety Patrick Chung is healthy enough to play after missing last weekend's game in Buffalo with a hand injury. This is a good thing, the Patriots desperately need his playmaking ability and hard hits. Hell if he can tackle, he'll be a huge improvement over Josh Barrett and Sergio Brown.

The other roster news that broke today is that cornerbacks Leigh Bodden (groin) and Ras-I Dowling (hip) have been declared out for tomorrow. Albert Haynesworth is also out, meaning that New England will need to designate one more inactive before kickoff against Oakland.

Devin McCourty will start opposite either Kyle Arrington (it's gotta be him) or Antwaun Molden. Phillip Adams will be coming off the bench as a substitute for the cornerbacks.

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