Gronk Speaks: Says He's "Improving"

For the first time since undergoing back surgery in June (his fifth surgery since November), Rob Gronkowski faced the local press today after practice.

The progress of Gronk's rehab process was an obvious focal point of the quick media session. Gronkowski made news this week by returning to fully-padded practices, albeit on a limited basis.

So how is Gronk feeling? Take it from Gronk himself:

"Right now, we just take it day by day and [I'm] improving a lot. I've been improving since last week, I've been improving since three weeks ago. The only thing I can ask out of myself, the coaches ask out of me, the trainers ask out of me, is just to take it every day at a time and just to improve every day."

Well, that answer reeks of Belichick coaching. Care to elaborate, Gronk? Maybe give us a percentage as to how you're feeling?

"I really don't have a percentage. I don't really think about percentages like that, where my body's at. The only thing I'm focused on is improving every day. And if I'm improving every day and I'm moving in the right direction, then that's all you can ask for, moving in the right direction at all times."

Well, that tells us nothing. Here's what we do know. This week marks 10 weeks since Gronk's back procedure in June 18. 10 weeks is significant because that marks the average timetable for a return from this type of surgery. What say you, Gronk?

"It doesn't matter about what that says. It just matters about how your body feels and how the rehab program is going and how you're progressing every day. I just look forward to every day and I'm not counting since when my surgery was."

Gronk's return to practice has led to some speculation that maybe the Pro-Bowl tight end could make a surprise return in Week One. My gut feeling says that's stupid. There is simply no way for a guy going through only his fourth practice to be in adequate football shape, especially after an offseason dominated by rehab instead of a normal workout regiment. While Gronk didn't give away anything to the press, he hinted at as much with this answer.

"Do I feel physically prepared? I mean that's kind of an obvious answer. I couldn't really do what I usually do all offseason, but that's what this time is for right now, just progressing and working hard right now to the max of my ability."

While a Week One return seems implausible, it's very possible that we could see a Gronk return (and likely an accompanying Gronk spike) before the end of the month. Many have targeted Week Four's Sunday Night showdown with Atlanta for a return, noting that this is likely the first game the team will need Gronk. The Patriots start the season with AFC East laughingstocks in Buffalo and New York and follow that up with a game against Tampa before the schedule gets tough: the next three game feature potential playoff teams in Atlanta, Cincinnati and New Orleans.

If possible, a Week Three return could be even more palatable for the Pats. This would give Gronk three weeks of practice to build up his strength and conditioning and one game to get his feet wet in live action before taking on that imposing stretch of the schedule.

Of course, all of this is dependent on how Gronk's body responds to his increased workload. How's that look, Tom Brady?

"He's working hard, he's out there busting his butt. It's good to see"

Yes it is, Tom. Yes it is.