When tight end Rob Gronkowski is health, he is one of the NFL’s best players. However, it has been tough for him to stay healthy throughout his NFL career. Last year, he was rehabbing from an arm he broke twice (and it later was infected). After he finally returned, he was again productive, but in his seventh game, he suffered a torn ACL and has now spent the offseason rehabbing from that injury.
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Despite all of the injuries, there have been several reports that Gronkowski will soon be participating in full contact drills (he hasn’t been cleared to participate in those type of activities yet and has been wearing a red non-contact jersey) and many believe he will be available travel to take on the Miami Dolphins in week one of the regular season on September 7.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Gronkowski is no sure thing to play in week one.
"Given his slow return from a broken arm last season, that seemed overly optimistic.Gronkowski’s fairly slow start to camp has made it seem like much less than a sure thing.Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Gronkowski’s anticipated Week One availability sits at 50-50, with perhaps a shade above the even-money proposition. It’s not a surprise; given the many surgeries and complications Gronkowski has endured in the past two years, there’s no reason to be reckless with his health."
The Patriots are going to need Gronkowski if they want to have any chance of winning a fourth Super Bowl so waiting for him to get healthy is probably the best bet.
Gronkowski made 39 receptions for 592 yards and four touchdowns in seven games last season. In his career, he has 226 catches for 3,255 yards and 42 touchdowns.