Report: Rob Gronkowski to be placed on the PUP list
The good old Physically unable to perform list. After undergoing successful back surgery yesterday, a reports come by way of Ian Rappoport that the Patriots star tight end will land on the PUP list. This list keeps him from taking up a roster spot.
Rob Gronkowski will begin the preseason on the PUP list, per source. Expected. But important to know it will happen (as opposed to likely)
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 19, 2013
What we do not know on Gronk: Will he start regular season on PUP list? That's the big one. Team waiting/seeing. Told, "He could be ready"
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 19, 2013
If Gronk enters the regular season on the list, he won't be able to return until Week 6. So, that's when things really should get interesting. Him being placed on the PUP list at this point of the offseason is not at all surprising. Gronk can be taken off the list and return to practice at any point before the regular season.
Reports have surfaced that he could be ready by the regular season. His recovery was initially given a 12 week time frame, which ends up being just a few days before the season opener.
It's my opinion that the Patriots should indeed keep Gronkowski on the PUP list for the first six weeks of the season. Allow Gronk, who's had plenty of complications already, recover from his multiple arm and back surgeries. I would rather Gronk be fully healthy for the end of the season than be rushed back to start it.
