Rob Gronkowski practices in full pads
It appears as if there's even better news for Patriots fans today. Gronk was already participating in full pads practice.
Rob Gronkowski is in full uniform here at practice. Washington, Cole, Svitek absent.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 1, 2013
Watched Gronkowski go thru running warmup, agility through bags while catching football thrown by coach, and lower-key blocking-pad drill.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 1, 2013
This is amazing for a man who had back and forearm surgery such a short time ago. Gronkowski had been seen most of training camp on the sidelines doing small non-contact drills just to keep himself fresh and maybe to also have Belichick keep an eye on him.
Now we must take this news with caution. Gronk will not be playing at Buffalo in week one even though he will probably be listed as "questionable" by Belichick to keep the opposing defense on their heels. At the earliest, we can expect Gronk to be ready by week three when the Patriots play the Bucs.
The report is encouraging but the Patriots have to be cautious with Gronk. I would rather have Gronkowski in the playoffs than regular season games any day.
Watch out NFL. Gronk is almost back.
--Ian Kea
-@Keachristophe
