At tight end in fantasy leagues, there's Jimmy Graham and then there's everyone else. That's in part because Rob Gronkowski has a fairly extensive recent injury history, and can't be counted on to be ready for the start of the season, or to stay healthy when he does.
According to a writer for the team website, though, Gronkowski is expected to be ready for the start of the season. "All signs point to Gronk being ready for Week 1," says Paul Perillo. It's safe to assume that Perillo doesn't have regular sitdowns with Bill Belichick, but he's likelier to have solid inside information than anyone else covering the team.
In Perillo's eyes, the important question is if Gronk can stay healthy. He's missed at least 5 games in each of the last two seasons. When he's on the field he's a clear fantasy difference-maker, but fantasy owners want some reliability from players they select as early as Gronkowski will be.
Perillo notes that New England has very little else at the position, certainly nobody close to the caliber receiver as Gronkowski. Michael Hoomanawanui, James Develin -- both blocking types -- and a bunch of roster longshots. The team has been connected to Dustin Keller and Jermichael Finley, but hasn't signed anybody else. That seems to suggest some level of confidence in Gronkowski (or else they're more concerned about those players' health).
Regardless, New England's inactivity at adding anyone there does imply that things are moving favorably on Gronkowski's health. With training camp just around the corner, we'll see if they add anyone else in the next couple of weeks.
--Andy Richardson
