Rob Gronkowski will play for the New England Patriots in their regular season opener on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, but his snaps are expected to be limited, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, as he works his way back from last season’s ACL tear.
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This should not come as a surprise to see his snaps limited as the Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick have been extremely cautious and conservative with their All-Pro tight end as he recovers from an ACL reconstruction that limited him to seven games a season ago.
Gronkowski did not play in any of the Patriots four preseason games and was limited in team drill for much of training camp. He did not participate in 11-on-11 drills until August 18, but has vowed to play a full 16-game schedule this season.
It has been two years since the Arizona product has played 16 games in a season as injuries have limited him to 11 and seven the last two seasons, respectively, as Gronkowski has not been able to match the 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns he had in his record-breaking 2011 season.
How many games do you envision Gronkowski being healthy for this season? Can he play 16 games like he believes he can or will another injury keep him off the field like it has the last two seasons?
If Gronkowski does have to miss any action this season, the Patriots have an insurance policy in recently acquired Tim Wright who the Patriots received in Logan Mankins trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.