New England Patriots waive two tight end’s; Optomistic about health of Rob Gronkowski?
By Bryan Rose
Earlier this morning, the New England Patriots waived tight end Daniel Fells, who was in the second year of a three year contract worth just over $5 million dollars.
Nothing of note really, considering his sub-par play.
Per Ian Rapoport:
"The #Patriots have cut TE Daniel Fells, source tells me. Signed a three-year, $5.25M contract last year."
But then just moments later, the Patriots released fellow tight end Jake Ballard, who many expected to be given the starting spot until fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski was able to take the field.
Per Ben Volin:
"Source tells me #Patriots have cut Jake Ballard"
Clearly, the Patriots are feeling quite optimistic about the health of Gronkowksi and the release of both players suggests the Pats feel Gronk will avoid the PUP list.
It’s still unlikely that we’ll see Gronkowski on the field in first week or two of the season (though you never really know with the Patriots), but seeing him in Week 3 is a distinct possibility.
After suggestions that Gronk could miss the first six games of the season just a few short weeks ago, it’s been a pretty drastic reversal in the last week or so.