Why Gronkowski might not practice at Training Camp on July 26th
One thing that's important to differentiate is the active/physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp and the reserve/physically unable to perform list after the final cutdown. There is a difference, as those on the active/PUP count against the 90-man roster limit and can start practicing at any time during camp (and once they start practicing, they are no longer eligible for any PUP list). Those on the reserve/PUP list are out for at least the first six weeks of the season and don't count against the reduced 53-man roster limit. At this point, I don't see any clear reserve/PUP candidates outside of tight end Jake Ballard, meaning I think every player outside of Ballard has a chance to practice at some point in training camp. Here are some possibilities for active/PUP: guard Logan Mankins (ACL), offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (ankle/back), defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene (left knee), receiver Jeremy Ebert (leg), tight ends Rob Gronkowski (left ankle) and Daniel Fells (leg), defensive lineman Myron Pryor (presumed shoulder from 2011) and rookie offensive lineman Markus Zusevics (pectoral muscle).
Gronkowski is one of seven players that could find himself missing practice time in training camp according to Mike Reiss.
Neither Gronk or Mankins practiced during OTAs or minicamps. It seems unlikely that Gronk would miss any time beyond the beginning of training camp though. Gronk has recently told the media that his ankle felt great, for whatever that is worth. We all remember his much talked about ankle injury and how it impacted the Super Bowl. Bitter Patriot fans will grunt that it cost them a championship while they throw knives at a dartboard with Bernard Pollard's face taped to it.
While I'd be shocked if Gronk missed all of training camp, Mankins is a different story (see: Logan Mankins likely to miss the start of the season?). The fact that two of the Patriots starting offensive lineman are on Reiss' list should be a bit concerning. Couple that with the up in the air status of Brian Waters and Matt Light's retirement, there are a lot of questions for Brady's protectors heading into training camp. For all the fans talking about how great the offense is going to be in 2012, don't forget the big guys up front. They're just as important.
