Once again there are question marks regarding the status of Rob Gronkowski. The New England Patriots had remained adamant that the tight end would be ready and healthy for Week 1 after he tore his ACL last season. Gronkowski has been practicing with the team since the start of training camp, but only running through light drills and occasionally stepping in for a 7-on-7 run. However, while the tight end said he would be healthy for the season, there is rising doubt that that might not be the case.
According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, there is a growing concern that Gronkowski will not be healthy enough to play Week 1. The tight end has always been slow to return from injury. He barely made it onto the field last season after recovering from a broken arm and there is not a lot of optimism that he will not do the same again this season. Right now, he is considered a 50-50 shot according to team sources mainly due to the fact that Gronkowski does not want to risk any setbacks.
Every injury the tight end has had has led to at least one setback. His arm required multiple surgeries. The same thing happened with a back injury he suffered. Over the past two seasons, Gronkowski has had numerous surgeries to deal with health complications and he is trying to avoid another one. If that means sitting out Week 1 then so be it.
The issue is that behind Gronkowski, the Patriots have a lot to be desired at the tight end position. The Patriots have James Develin, the resident fullback, doubling as a tight end during 11-on-11 drills. Behind him there are three fresh faces, Ben Hartsock, Steve Maneri and Terrence Miller. Michael Hoomanawanui is also back on the roster. None of those options warrant the number of looks from quarterback Tom Brady like Gronkowski does. If the tight end if not healthy for Week 1, it is likely that Hoomanawanui will start at the position or Develin will continue his hybrid role.
The Patriots are running out of time, but there is certainly the option of signing a free agent. Right now, the best available are Jermichael Finley and Dustin Keller depending on their health status. Both have been cleared by personal doctors, but have yet to visit any teams since then. Keller worked out for the Patriots at the end of OTAs and there were reports that Finley talked with them as well. Finley has an insurance policy to the tune of almost $10 million that most teams are unwilling to take on, making it difficult for him to sign anywhere. Keller would sign for what would likely be a veteran's minimum deal.
