The New England Patriots would be more than happy to have tight end Rob Gronkowski back from surgery and on the field catching passes and mowing over defenders by Week 1 of the regular season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, citing “sources familiar with the situation,” that unfortunately, a Week 1 return is highly unlikely.
Gronkowski is trying to make his way back from back and forearm surgery this offseason. In fact, he is doing fairly well.
One source told Schefter the tight end “looks great, is during great” as he runs and lifts at the Patriots’ training facility.
Although this may be the case another source said it is “a huge stretch to think he could play” in the Patriots Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Schefter also points out the Patriots have a choice to make with Gronkowski. This choice could affect others on the roster such as back-up quarterback Tim Tebow.
If the Patriots decide to keep “Gronk” on the 53-man roster then Tebow may have to go and the Patriots would carry only two quarterbacks—Tom Brady and second-string QB Ryan Mallet. If they decide to put Gronk on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list then the Patriots may have more space to play with on the roster and may keep Tebow. However, Gronk’s placement on the PUP list would also mean automatic unavailability for six weeks.
Depending on how Gronkowski is progressing, the Patriots may stay away from putting him on the PUP list. In the 2012 regular season he had the fourth-most touchdown receptions with 11 and had 790 receiving yards.
When healthy the 24-year old is a huge target for Tom Brady and presents one of the biggest offensive threats in the National Football League.
*Stats according to ESPN.com
If Gronk can be ready anytime between week’s 2 through 6, the Patriots would be wise to leave him on the roster because they could definitely use him.
