Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski Could Be Ready By Week 3

Jul 30, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski signs autographs for fans during training camp at the practice fields of Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

We may be seeing New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski sooner than first assumed. Gronkowski was a candidate to be placed on the PUP list. If he landed on the PUP list, he wouldn’t be available till the 7th week of the season. According to the Boston Herald, things are progressing well and he could be ready for week 3 or even sooner:

"According to a source, Gronk is doing very well in his rehabilliation from back and forearm surgeries performed in May and June. He’s “right on schedule” for a mid-September return. In fact, he’s healed and advanced to the point where he would be close to playing Week 1 in Buffalo, the source said.However, the more realistic time frame for him to be ready and in “football shape” would be shortly after, right around Game 3 against Tampa Bay assuming there are no setbacks – Boston Herald"

That is huge news for the New England Patriots offense. The team has been moving the ball well during the preseason, but adding a weapon like Gronk back onto the offense could take them over the top.