Rob Gronkowski in full pads, Leon Washington and two others out
New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski has been progressing well from offseason back and arm surgeries, so much so that the Patriots have kept him on the 53-man roster instead of placing him on the reserve/PUP list. Gronk’s recovery has been quick to this point, and he remains on track for a return in Week 3. While it is still not realistic to expect him to play against the Buffalo Bills or against the New York Jets in Week 2 (short week), it is very encouraging to hear news that Rob Gronkowski is back at practice today in full pads. He isn’t just doing agility drills and catching passes on the sidelines; he’s taking reps.
The Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe adds that in addition to Gronkowski being at practice in pads, there are three notable absences at practice. Returner and running back Leon Washington is out, cornerback Marquice Cole was not spotted, and swing tackle and emergency guard Will Svitek is also absent.
Below are a series of tweets from ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss regarding what Rob Gronkowski is doing at practice right now, and it’s more encouraging stuff for the Patriots and the star TE.
Rob Gronkowski was fourth in line for reps behind Hoomamawanui, Sudfeld and Develin in TE/FB grouping. Appears to be moving well.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 1, 2013
Watched Gronkowski go thru running warmup, agility through bags while catching football thrown by coach, and lower-key blocking-pad drill.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 1, 2013
In the lower-key blocking pad drill, Gronkowski worked on technique, getting out of his stance before hitting blocking pad held by coach.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 1, 2013
This is definitely great news, and I would definitely feel safe in saying that Gronkowski is going to play in Week 3. He seems to be making excellent progress, is already in full pads, and the Patriots were totally fine with cutting both Jake Ballard and Daniel Fells whilst placing Gronk on the 53-man roster.