It’s been a less than ideal start for Rob Gronkowski to his Bucs’ career to say the least. Gronkowski, a five-time Pro Bowler and a sure-fire Hall of Fame tight end, has seen just four targets and made two catches for 11 yards in his return to football.

Gronkowski has seen a lot of playing time as he was on the field for 69 percent of the offensive snaps a week ago. Many thought we would see efficient production out of him after reuniting with Tom Brady, but his role has been primarily as a blocker through two games.

“I’m a blocking tight end,” Gronkowski said in a playful manner. “I came here to block, baby. Four targets is four more than I thought I was going to get.”

When pressed on the subject again he reiterated the same phrase. “I’m a blocking tight end. That’s all I got.”

Head coach Bruce Arians didn’t necessarily have an issue with Gronkowski’s usage through two games. He’s relied heavily on the receivers so far this year, and Gronkowski, who has 521 career catches for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns, has been utilized in other ways.

Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski – Photo by: Getty Images

“We brought him in to just play tight end,” Arians said. “If that means no catches, that means no catches, if that means 10 catches, that means 10 catches because he’s open and that’s where the ball goes. We just fortified a room with a veteran player.”

With that said, Gronkowski’s role could change depending on what the defense is presenting.

“[It is] just game-to-game,” Arians said. “He came in here with no expectations and just whatever happens, happens. You play tight end and we’ll see.”

Two games is a very small sample size to start making assumptions on a player that is in the conversation as the greatest of all time at his position. Gronkowksi doesn’t seem too concerned about his lack of targets early on with his new team. Each week is a new opportunity with it’s own ebb and flow in Tampa Bay.

“I’ve enjoyed myself,” Gronkowski said. “I know what I signed up for with football, so I know there’s times where there’s going to be a grind. It’s the game of football, there’s always going to be ups and downs. That’s football, it’s been like that my whole life, but overall just going out there and working with guys, it’s a pleasure for sure.”