The New England Patriots are closer to seeing tight end Rob Gronkowski physically able to perform in a game, and that should mean he stays off the PUP list to start the regular season. Fox Sports' Alex Marvez reports Gronkowski participated in some non-football movement drills on a side field during the Patriots' Monday practice. That included worked on his backpedal, and per Marvez, Gronkowski was "fluid" in the way he moved. The Patriots have found a few answers in the wake of Aaron Hernandez's release and Gronkowski's slow but steady recovery from forearm and back surgeries. Undrafted Zach Sudfeld has been a nice surprirse taking Hernandez's spot in the their two-tight end sets, while former Giant Jake Ballard has the size, strength ane experience to be a viable early-season fill-in for Gronkowski. Source: Sporting News
