New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski could be ready to start in the team's NFL season-opener against the Miami Dolphins. Patriots coach Bill Belichick told reporters the Pro Bowl tight end has been medically cleared by doctors and is expected to participate in training camp.
Gronkowski, who underwent ACL surgery in January, appears on track to play in New England's season opener.
"(Gronkowski) has been cleared by doctors and will not be placed on the active/PUP list to start training camp, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday morning," ESPN's Mike Reiss wrote Wednesday. "Gronkowski ... is expected to join the team for the first official workout of training camp Thursday."
While Belichick acknowledged Gronkowski was cleared to play, he wouldn't confirm whether the 25-year-old would be available for the Sept. 7 opener.
"He's been here," Belichick said Wednesday at Gillette Stadium, via USA Today Sports. "He would be ineligible to (appear on PUP list) because he's been cleared to play. ... Rob has always worked hard. He worked hard as a rookie, so he has always worked hard when he's here. I can't speak for the rest of the time, but from what we've seen he has been consistent."
Gronkowski tore his right ACL on Dec. 8 against the Cleveland Browns. He missed the first part of last season as he continued recovering from back and forearm surgery, and he finished the season having played in only seven games.
"I'm always antsy to get back on the field, no matter when it is," Gronkowski said last week, via ESPN. "I just want to play football. I love playing the game."
