New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski says he ‘could do some damage’ if allowed to return a punt

Rob Gronkowski runs against the Washington Redskins during a NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Winslow Townson/AP

Rob Gronkowksi has been a king of yards after the catch this season, with the third-most in the NFL. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end is difficult to tackle in space, and the Patriots do their best to get him the ball in the open-field. When he has room to run, the results are good.

So what if they lined him up as a punt returner?

Oh, the carnage.

“I always wanted one,’’ Gronkowski said on a conference call Thursday. “I think if I got some room and caught it on the move I think I could do some damage. Just don’t let me catch it when there are already 100 guys in front of me. I need to be on my wheels already.’’

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Hey, former Patriots offensive lineman Dan Connolly did well with the rock — he set the record for the longest return by an offensive lineman.

Why not Gronk?

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