Brady assumes Gronkowski out until told otherwise

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Rob Gronkowski says he's making significant progress but won't say if he will return for the Patriots' next game.

The star tight end has been sidelined the past two games after offseason forearm and back surgery. New England plays at home Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Gronkowski participated in practice on a limited basis on Wednesday and said afterward that he'll play when he's told to.

The Patriots passing game has struggled without him, and quarterback Tom Brady says he assumes Gronkowski won't be playing until he's told otherwise.

Meanwhile, the Patriots have managed to win their first two games by a total of five points while Brady's rookie receivers have struggled to get to the spots where he's thrown the ball.

Cox Media Group