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Rob Gronkowski injury update: Practicing without pain

By Russell S. Baxter

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks on from the sideline during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks on from the sideline during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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The defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots are already loaded on offense. Now one of the best weapons in the league is getting healthy.

The numbers are simply amazing. A second-round draft choice in 2010 from the University of Arizona, tight end Rob Gronkowski has racked up 405 receptions, good for 6,095 yards and 68 touchdown grabs in 88 regular-season appearances. He also has a rushing touchdown to his credit.

Unfortunately, there’s another number that bears observation. It’s 24, and we’re not paying homage to Keifer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer. That’s the number of regular-season games that the imposing offensive figure has missed in his career. Gronkowski has also made his presence felt in the playoffs. In 10 postseason outings, he’s hauled in 52 balls for 754 yards and nine touchdowns. But he’s also missed six playoff games in his career.

The exuberant tight end is once again on a mend. But things are going extremely well after back surgery cut short his 2016 season and caused him to miss the Patriots’ Super Bowl LI run. With

Coming off back surgery that cut short his 2016 season, he has practiced without restrictions (according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss). Now “Gronk” is preparing for the team’s three-day minicamp this week and is sounding very optimistic:

“You just have to always look at the positives. Right now I’m feeling great. I’m feeling good out there with the team. We’re just at the stage right now, OTAs, offseason workouts, just getting to know each other, feeling it all out. Everything is going good. So I’m just happy to be where I am, happy to be out on the field playing football and participating.”

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It goes without saying that a healthy Gronkowski gives the Patriots that added dimension. Slowly but surely, the seven-year pro is progressing. That’s fantastic news for Brady and the team’s attack. Meanwhile, we should learn a lot about the status of the four-time Pro Bowl tight end by week’s end.

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