New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski confirmed he will be at mandatory minicamp this week.
The New England Patriots have been practicing for a little while now as organized team activities were in full swing. However, some prominent names have been absent from the Patriots offseason workouts so far.
Quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski have yet to participate in any phase of the Patriots offseason plan. Neither player was at the voluntary OTA’s, nor were they present at the first two phases.
The reasons for their absences were wide-ranging. Some believed it was because of their current contract situations. There have also been some philosophical differences as between the organization and Brady’s personal trainer, Alex Guerrero.
Guerrero has caused some tension throughout the organization between Bill Belichick and some of his players. His training with Brady, and now Gronkowski, has come under fire from the coaching staff. While Brady and Gronkowski were not at OTA’s, they were reportedly working out close by at TB12.
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While they were not present at voluntary workouts, the question was raised; will they be at the mandatory ones? There were reports that they would be. Now, we have confirmation that at least one of them will be.
Gronkowski announced that he will be there and be ready to play. He is excited to get back on the field he told CBS Boston while at a charity event.
"“We’ve got mandatory minicamp this week, so I’ll be there this week,” Gronkowski said Sunday at a charity event, per CBS Boston. “I’ll be full go. I’m looking forward to it. Can’t wait to get back to work. I’m excited.”"
The Patriots mandatory minicamp begins on Tuesday, and it sounds like Gronkowski will be there 100 percent ready to get back to business.
Following Super Bowl 52 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Gronkowski said he was going to contemplate his future. For at least one more season, that future is as the Patriots tight end.
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This is great news for the Patriots. The uncertainty surrounding Gronkowski throughout the offseason has caused some tension. Hopefully, being back at the facility and with his teammates will help put some of that tension to rest as the Patriots get ready to make another Super Bowl run.