When the Bucs lost tight end Rob Gronkowski to fractured ribs in Week 3, the team was hopeful his absence would be brief. Tampa Bay elected not to place Gronkowski on injured reserve, which would have sidelined the veteran a minimum of three games. But the Pro Bowl pass-catcher missed three games anyway, although the team is expecting a Week 7 return against the Bears.

“Hopefully,” Arians said about a pending return for Gronkowski. “It’s been another week. So we’ll just wait and see.”

Bucs TE O.J. Howard – Photo by: USA Today

Gronkowski was off to a tremendous start before his injury. In three games, the All-Pro reeled in 16 catches on 21 targets for 184 yards and four touchdowns. He went off in the Bucs Week 1 victory over the Cowboys, catching eight passes for 90 yards and two scores. Despite missing three weeks, Gronkowski is still tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions.

“Got my fingers crossed on two or three guys,” Arians said. “But it’s going to go to the wire, probably.”

In Gronkowski’s stead, O.J. Howard and Cam Brate have stepped into bigger roles. Both players have been capable in the passing game, but neither can provide what Gronkowski brings as a blocker. Howard has been a sieve in pass protection, while Gronkowski might be the best tight end in the NFL in that role. On the season, Howard has 10 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, while Brate has 11 grabs for 110 yards.

The Bucs (5-1) host the visiting Chicago Bears (3-3) on Sunday at 4:25 pm.