Decision on whether Gronkowski will make 2013 debut on Sunday still to be made

New England Patriots tight ends Rob Gronkowski (87) and Michael Hoomanawanui (47) walk between drills during a stretching and drills session before NFL football practice begins at the team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013. The Patriots host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) (The Associated Press)

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski throws a football during a stretching and drills session before NFL football practice begins at the team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013. The Patriots host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) (The Associated Press)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski appears closer to making his 2013 debut.

He has missed all five games while recovering from offseason surgeries on his broken left forearm and back. But he might play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

A person with knowledge of Gronkowski's condition says doctors haven't cleared him to play yet and won't know for a few days. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement was made. Gronkowski participated in practice on a limited basis Wednesday. He was listed as questionable for the past three games.

ProFootballTalk.com reported Tuesday that he is expected to be cleared to play this week and that it's likely but not definite he'll play.

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