Watch CBS News

No PUP For Gronk: Gronkowski Makes Patriots' 53-Man Roster

BOSTON (CBS) - There will be no PUP list for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

The Patriots decided to carry the healing tight end on their 53-man roster and not place him on the physically unable to perform list on Saturday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Gronkowski underwent multiple surgeries over the offseason, on his broken forearm and one on his back, and has yet to practice with the team.

Read: Patriots Cut QB Tim Tebow

But the team must have seen enough progress from Gronk to believe he will return prior to Week 7. Had the team placed Gronkowski on the PUP list to begin the season, the tight end would have had to sit out the first six weeks of the season and would not have been able to practice with the team.

With a short turnaround between their season-opening game against the Bills and a Thursday night game against the Jets in Week 2, it's highly unlikely Gronkowski will dress for either of those games. But in not landing on the PUP, there remains a chance the All Pro tight end could be back as early as Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Follow: Patriots Roster Movement On Cut Day

The Patriots currently have two tights ends on the roster other than Gronkowski; four-year veteran Michael Hoomanwanui and rookie Zach Sudfeld.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.