As Rob Gronkowski continues to heal from offseason surgeries, the New England Patriots are doing everything they can to keep him off the physically unable to perform list. If placed on the PUP list, the tight end would not be available until mid-season and the team would rather avoid that. Instead, NFL.com reports Gronkowski will likely be on the active roster.
If activated, Gronkowski will be placed on the final 53-man roster which is significant for one reason, Tim Tebow. First thing is first, Gronkowski's timetable for a return from back surgery still remains uncertain. The Patriots are positive that the tight end will return sooner rather than later, hence the reason of keeping off the PUP list. September is being reported as the earliest for his return.
Putting the tight end on the roster means there is one less roster spot for a bubble player. Tebow is the biggest bubble player in New England as all sports fans wait to hear what the quarterback's fate is.
As of now, the Patriots have three quarterbacks on the roster. History does not work in Tebow's favor as New England normally only carries two quarterbacks on the roster. The quarterback had his final audition for the Patriots on Thursday night and preformed well. He threw for two touchdowns which is his best of the preseason. The question remains has he done enough all around to make the team. In his last preseason game, Tebow threw for -1 yards. Less than ideal for the Patriots quarterback.
Veteran Adrian Wilson is also a bubble player looking for that roster spot. Wilson has struggled during the preseason, missing tackles and not making correct reads. The Patriots need a playmaker in the secondary, but Wilson has not proven to be that player. He is under contract for $1 million this season, but that could mean nothing when it comes to roster cuts.
Brandon Bolden is trying to make the roster in a crowded group of running backs. He is battling things out with LeGarrette Blount as the Patriots currently has five running backs on the roster. Like with the quarterbacks, New England only carries a few backs, meaning Bolden could be out come Saturday.
No matter what, a roster spot used for Gronkowski is not a roster spot wasted. Even if the Patriots only get one game out of the tight end in the first six weeks of the season, it will be more worth it over having a player sit on the bench for six weeks.
