Rob Gronkowski: "I'll be playing" Week One

This news isn't a surprise by any stretch, but it's still mighty relieving to hear: Rob Gronkowski will be playing in the Patriots season opener this Sunday.

"I'm ready to go" the All Pro tight end said to reporters today. "I'll be playing. Super excited. Super pumped. I feel mentally and physically ready, for sure."

Gronk went on to talk about the grind it's taken to get himself ready to return to the field. He underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL back in January, but has made steady progress in his rehab throughout the offseason. The news falls in line with his previous statements that he was aiming to play in all 16 games this year.

As for his role, Gronk acknowledged that the team might hold him back juuuuust a little in his first game action.

"Definitely won't be every snap. But just get out there, get my feet wet, whatever we game-plan this week will be good"

Of course, not playing every snap is unlikely to prevent Gronk from playing a key role in the offense. Consider this:

I'm sure Gronk will be on a snap count, but last year in his first game back, he was targeted 17 times and caught 8 passes for 114 yards
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) September 1, 2014