Dan

Gronkowski

The older brother of Rob, Dan will act as a strict blocking tight end. At 6'5/255, it’s a role he’s certainly cut out for.

The older brother of Rob will serve as the blocking complement to Evan Moore. Ben Watson (concussion) and Alex Smith (shoulder) are both done for the season.

Strictly a blocking tight end and special teamer, Rob’s older brother has now been waived by the Patriots twice this season.

Rob’s brother, Gronkowski appeared in seven games between the Browns and Patriots last season, but didn’t make a catch. He’ll be on the list if a team is looking for a fill-in blocking tight end.

The move leaves New England with one healthy tight end on the active roster, so look for a corresponding tight end pickup before Sunday. Gronkowski played sparingly in the first two games, seeing 27 percent of the Pats’ offensive snaps. Beat writers believe Garrett Mills will be signed from the practice squad.

Rob’s younger brother will continue to bounce around the league.

The second of Detroit’s two TE picks, Gronkowski was a late riser in college and did 33 reps of 225 lbs. on the Combine bench press. He doesn’t know how to use that strength correctly yet, though, and is competing just for a job.

FitzSimmons is a special teams performer and likely has the edge over the raw, but physically gifted Gronkowski, who needs to add bulk and gain experience in the passing game. He could be stashed on the practice squad.

Follett looked great on special teams in the exhibition season, but the Lions needed more defensive value. Bollinger still has an opportunity in the UFL.

Jake Nordin was called up from the practice squad and will back up Will Heller this week. The Lions are already without Brandon Pettigrew (knee) and Casey Fitzsimmons (concussion) for the season.