The Bucs got tight end Rob Gronkowski back for the divisional matchup against the Saints, but it didn’t last for long. Gronkowski was ruled out at halftime after playing just six snaps. The veteran tight end missed the previous four games after suffering fractured ribs and a punctured lung against the Rams in Week 3.

According to head coach Bruce Arians, the plan was to use Gronkowski in red zone situation, but back spasms quickly negated that. Arians talked about it on this week’s edition of The Bruce Arians show.

“It was just going to be red zone stuff,” Arians said. “He jumped out there, got in on a running play and his back spasmed up. It’s just residual from the ribs. So he got a week off and hopefully he’ll be ready for Washington.”

Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski – Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports

The Bucs will gladly welcome Gronkowski back against the Washington Football Team in Week 10. The important thing is that Gronkowski is fully healed. His importance to the offense, particularly in the playoffs, is too great. Tampa Bay has been winning games without him in the lineup, thanks to key depth on offense. But the Bucs need a fully healthy Gronkowski in Week 10. The All-Pro wasn’t ready against New Orleans.

On the Bucs first scoring drive, Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins broke up a back shoulder fade for Gronkowski in the end zone. Tom Brady threw the ball a bit too far inside, but Gronkowski often makes those contested catches anyway. The play was an indicator for Arians that maybe Gronkowski wasn’t ready to come back yet.

“Yeah a little bit,” Arians said. “I mean, he’s made that catch nine out of ten times. He was not himself.”

After the loss, Arians admitted Gronkowski probably shouldn’t have played against the Saints.

“Gronk probably shouldn’t have played either,” Arians said. “But he kept begging to get in there. Then he re-injured himself.”

The hope is that Gronkowski will be ready to go when the Bucs travel to FedEx Field to take on Washington. He’ll have an extra week to get ready, as the Bucs don’t return to action until Sunday, November 14.

You can listen to the rest of the interview here on Bucs Total Access.