Pats fans: What is the story on TE Hernandez's ankle? Is he a reliable go?

Need a little help from Patriots fans. I have Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Myers TE (Oak). The Raiders go to Cin with a shaky QB and no Darren McFadden. NE's offense runs through the TE but with Gronk out and  Hernandez's ankle "sprain" still causing problems, I have a problem. Would Hernandez be playing this week if Gronk were healthy? Will NE put a backup TE in Gronk's spot and leave Hernandez at his customary TE spot? Is he even healthy enough to be effective? Bill B. has not called me back as of yet so I'm hoping I can get a little help from Pats fans. Hoping you can give me something a little more than what the national media is feeding us. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide!