Bill Belichick: Rob Gronkowski ‘Cleared To Play,’ Won’t Go On PUP List

FOXBORO, Mass. — Rob Gronkowski will be on the field for the first day of New England Patriots training camp Thursday.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said Gronkowski will not start the summer on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list because “he’s been cleared to play.” The All-Pro tight end tore his ACL in Week 14 of the 2013 NFL season during the Patriots’ 27-26 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Gronk started the 2013 training camp on the PUP list with forearm and back injuries. He didn’t return to the field until the Patriots’ Week 7 loss to the New York Jets.

The Patriots placed cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, wide receivers Aaron Dobson, Jeremy Gallon and Matthew Slater and defensive tackle Tommy Kelly on the PUP list Monday.

Belichick said the Patriots could place more players on the PUP list to start the summer, but they likely would be new faces to the team.