Report: Rob Gronkowski ‘Not Realistic’ to Play in Patriots’ Regular Season Opener

It looks like the Patriots will have to depend on Zach Sudfeld, Jake Ballard and company at tight end to start the season.

Adam Schefter said “It’s not realistic to expect Rob Gronkowski to play in the Patriots’ season opener,” on ESPN’s NFL Insiders. Schefter said the Patriots are still deciding whether to start Gronkowski on the PUP list.

If Gronkowski starts the season on the physically unable to perform list, he’ll have to miss at least the first six weeks of the season. After Week 6, the tight end can come off the PUP to practice and play in games.

Gronkowski has been spotted numerous times during Patriots training camp practice. He has looked slimmer than usual. The Patriots have Sudfeld, Ballard, Daniel Fells, Michael Hoomanawanui, Evan Landi and James Develin practicing at the position. Sudfeld and Ballard have been taking the majority of snaps with the first-teamers.

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