Gronk returns to (half-speed) 11 on 11 drills
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| New England Patriots/David Silverman |
Per NFL Network's Albert Breer:
"Based on everything you're seeing out here, everything is going to according to plan. Now, for the first few days of camp, he wasn't in 7-on-7 drills and he wasn't in 11-on-11 drills. But what we just saw out here a few minutes ago, that might be changing. They actually had him out there for some half-speed 11-on-11 work, so it looks like he's continuing to take those steps forward toward Week One."
Again, lets not get too excited. Half-speed 11-on-11 work basically means he took reps in the walk-through portion of practice.
However, all signs are pointing towards the Pats having their All-World tight end in the lineup when Week One rolls around. The team is understandably easing him back into full practice activity, but he would be on the PUP list if there were any lingering concerns about his surgically repaired knee. He's reportedly looked like his normal beastly self in individual drills, and has shown no sign of hesitation when planting or cutting.
"Everything that you see here indicates that Gronk is going to be a go for Week 1, even if they are taking it a little easy on him right now", Breer said.
Another thing to consider: the Patriots would have likely signed a veteran tight end (Dustin Keller's name has come up a lot in rumors) if they thought Gronk would miss a portion of the season. Their willingness to go into the season with only Michael Hoomanawanui as a proven backup at the position speaks volumes to their confidence in Gronk's recovery.
As the big tight end said himself, "lets get Gronkin"
