Bill Belichick tries to convince media Rob Gronkowski might not play Week 1
By Brian Miller
Earlier this week New England Patriots start tight end announced that he would be ready and play this weekend against the Miami Dolphins to open the season. Bill Belichick said nothing as Bill Belichick normally does. Now, he is saying something if he is saying nothing.
More from New England Patriots
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Patriots backup plan for DeAndre Hopkins is a shot in the dark
- NFL rumors: Patriots screwed themselves with DeAndre Hopkins pursuit
- Bill O’Brien arrival did not end the road for one disliked Patriots coach
- 3 biggest mistakes from the NFL offseason
Speaking to CSNNE.com Belichick told reporters that he is thrilled with Gronkowski’s optimism but will make a decision later this week.
"“I’m glad that Rob’s optimistic about this situation,” Belichick said, via CSNNE.com. “We’ll go through the week of practice and take a look at everything, everybody, and see where everybody’s at and try to do what we feel like is best for the team. With all due respect to Rob — I’m glad he feels the way he does — but, in the end, we’ll have to make the decision we feel like is best for the team and we’ll do that as we go through the week.”"
It’s highly unlikely that Belichick will keep his tight-end off the field but Belichick gives no opposing team definitive information until he absolutely has to which will be at 1:00 Sunday in regards to Gronkowski. Belichick is a savvy head coach who would dress a player and then not play him just to make the other team prepare for his personnel. This week won’t be any different.
On Monday, the Patriots were awarded former Dolphin Don Jones off waivers. The safety played for the Dolphins last season and spent all of training camp working with the defensive unit. In other words, he knows the defensive cadence and coverage signals. Belichick likely has the player locked in a room with wires attached to his head probing for images.
Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin addressed local media on Monday and was asked about the revelation from Gronkowski that he would play, Philbin stressed that the team was preparing for him because he is on the 53 man roster. The Patriots and Dolphins are kicking off their annual chess match early this season.