:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20595961/20120819_jla_al8_235.0.jpg)
Originally reported by Jay Glazier with Fox Sports, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is targeting a return date of week six against the New Orleans Saints, a week after the Bengals and Patriots play this weekend. According to reports, the concern isn't so much his back as it is his forearm, but the call is his to make and it appears unlikely that we'll see the Pro Bowl tight end this weekend.
However, the Bengals could face wide receiver Austin Collie, who was signed by the Patriots on Thursday.
The Patriots have signed veteran WR Austin Collie, according to a league source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 3, 2013
The San Francisco 49ers signed Collie during training camp, but released him after head coach Jim Harbaugh said that he wasn't fully recovered from a torn patellar tendon last year. During his four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Collie posted 173 receptions for 1,845 yards receiving, including 15 touchdowns during his first two seasons.
Collie has only played one game against the Bengals (2011) and posted one reception for eight yards receiving.Pat Pulpit, SB Nation's New England Patriots site, calls the signing, insurance.
When Aaron Dobson went down against the Falcons, the Patriots were down to only three receivers; adding Collie to the mix will provide an extra body should the team need it, as well as a physical talent who has proven that he can produce at an NFL level.