Rob Gronkowski making good progress
The future is still cloudy for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, but it is comforting to hear that the only news on Gronkowski has been good news ever since his most recent surgery. Both his arm and back surgeries have gone well, and the Patriots are still hoping that Gronkowski can be healthy for the opener against the Buffalo Bills. Placing him on the PUP list would be the most cautious move for the team to make, but it is the only way to rest Gronk and also keep a roster spot open for a guy like Zach Sudfeld.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) reacts after his touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 59-24. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
According to ESPN’s Ed Werder via Pro Football Talk, Rob Gronkowski is doing “light” workouts, and Werder states that Gronk has been “making significant progress” and looks good. The million dollar question, however, is how significant is significant progress? Is it enough to make us truly feel better about the odds of Gronkowski suiting up and playing to more than 80% of his ability on opening day? To be honest, the best thing for the Patriots to do is to wait until Gronk is 100%, because nobody wants to have to go through this shtick again. Last year, they actually gave Gronkowski extra rest, and it wasn’t enough. Part of the reason why is because they learned from their mistake when bringing back Aaron Hernandez too soon from an ankle injury.
Rob Gronkowski is also, per Werder, in “good spirits”, but that comes as no surprise at all. Everything we’ve read thus far about Gronkowski during the rehab process is about how upbeat he has been, and that’s no different from the Gronkowski Pats fans are accustomed to. This report, in my opinion, means that Gronkowski is taking steps in the right direction early on, and it’s also more good news for us (even if it is small) at a time when we can use all the good news we can get. Gronk is making solid progress and is looking good right now, and that’s enough to make me feel like there is still a fair shot of him being healthy for Week 1.