The party is back!
Rob Gronkowski participated in full pad practice with the Patriots on Sunday. This was his first since his forearmand back surgeries, and he took part in running and blocking drills focusing on his technique. It doesn't look like he's 100 percent though; Boston Globe writer Shalise Manza Young noted Gronk was moving slower than the other tight ends in the drills.
Gronkowski's return brings more good news than bad, however. New England dropped tight ends Jake Ballard and Daniel Fells and kept Gronkowski off the PUP, which would've kept him out of action for six weeks. This means Gronkowski is recovering pretty well, but don't expect him to be in action for the season opener against Buffalo.
Gronkowski had the most receiving yards among tight ends in 2011 and was one of Tom Brady's favorite targets the past two seasons. With the Patriots' average receivers core this season and Aaron Hernandez out, Gronk will play a huge role for the Pats this season. But will he be as good as he was before the forearm injury?
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[via Sporting News]
