Skipping optional workouts

Gronkowski said he doesn't plan to attend the optional portion of the Patriots' offseason program, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski doesn't seem bothered by missing out on a $250,000 workout bonus in his contract, noting that he's currently busy working on his dirt-biking skills. He still hasn't confirmed that he'll play football in 2018, but a report from late March suggested retirement was unlikely. The 28-year-old tight end can skip team activities without incurring any fines until mandatory minicamp June 5-7. Given that he typically showed up for optional workouts in past seasons, Gronkowski's absence this…read more

Not expected to attend Monday's workouts

Gronkowski is not expected to attend the start of the Patriots' offseason program, which opens Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Gronkowski is thought to still be mulling his playing status for the upcoming season, but on that note Schefter relays that the tight end has had "good communication" with the Patriots on that front. As Mike Reiss of ESPN.com points out, Monday's activities are voluntary, but it is worth noting that Gronkowski has a $250,000 workout bonus built into his 2018 contract, which is paid based on him attending a certain percentage of workouts, according to Reiss. Ultimately, we'd be…read more

Expected to keep playing

The Patriots' decision to trade Brandin Cooks suggests the team is confident Gronkowski will play in 2018, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski openly pondered retirement in the aftermath of the Super Bowl, but he's reportedly leaning toward playing for at least one more season. There also have been some trade rumors in recent weeks, though none seemed to have any real substance. Gronkowski will turn 29 in May and is coming off a season in which he caught 69 of 106 targets (65 percent) for 1,084 yards (10.2 yards per target) and eight touchdowns in 14 regular-season games. He's one of the most efficient pass catchers in NFL…read more

Likely to return for 2018

Gronkowski said he's "pretty certain" he'll return to the Patriots for the 2018 season, Jeff Darlington of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski has been considering retirement since the end of the most recent season, but indicated he'd come back as long as Tom Brady remains with the team. The on-going drama in New England is also part of the story, as there is rumored discord between Gronkowski and head coach Bill Belichick.

Expected back in 2018

The Patriots are expecting Gronkowski to return for the 2018 season, though the tight end hasn't officially informed the team of his intentions, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Following New England's Super Bowl LII loss to the Eagles, Gronkowski said he would take some time off to determine his future in football and was unwilling to commit to playing in 2018. There have been rumblings that Gronkowski, who remains on a Hall-of-Fame trajectory despite having battled numerous injuries during his eight-year career, is interested in pursuing opportunities in the entertainment world, though the 28-year-old has yet to verify those rumors. While Rapoport's report provides…read more

Gronkowski (concussion) brought in nine of 15 targets for 116 yards and two touchdowns during the Patriots' 41-33 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII on Sunday.

Analysis: The star tight end got off to a slow start before coming on in the second half, logging touchdown receptions of five and four yards from Tom Brady in the third and fourth quarter, respectively. The second score afforded the Patriots a short-lived 33-32 advantage and gave Gronkowski three touchdowns for the fourth consecutive postseason. Despite the fact he's only 28 years of age, the 2010 second-round pick's extensive injury history is notably leading to some rumblings of a possible retirement …read more

Good to go for Super Bowl

Gronkowski practiced fully Thursday after clearing the NFL's concussion protocol, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com.

Analysis: When asked if he'd have any limitations while playing in Super Bowl LII, Gronkowski relayed that he's "ready to roll, full speed." In addition to Gronkowski, the other three New England players listed on the Patriots' injury report all practiced fully Thursday, setting the stage for the quartet to be available for Sunday's contest against the Eagles.

Clears concussion protocol

Gronkowski has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and is slated to play in Super Bowl LII, NFL.com reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Gronkowski is in line to meet with the media Thursday afternoon, with the level of his practice participation (to be revealed later) of note. In any case, whether he's listed as a limited participant or a full one Thursday, the star tight end is now in line to be available for Sunday's contest.

Limited at Wednesday's practice

Gronkowski (concussion) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski had been raising hopes that he was approaching the end of his journey through the concussion protocol, practicing this past weekend and even making statements in recent days. As evidence, he told Mike Reiss of ESPN.com on Tuesday that he hoped he would clear the protocol Wednesday with an eye toward playing in Sunday's Super Bowl. While Gronkowski appeared at the start of Wednesday's practice in full pads, per Reiss, the tight end hasn't been cleared for more than individual drills…read more

Appears at practice Wednesday

Gronkowski (concussion) was present at Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: On Tuesday, Gronkowski expressed hope that he would come out of the other side of the concussion protocol, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. In the end, an independent neurologist will make the final decision, but Gronkowski appeared to be taking part in warmups Wednesday, at the very least. His activity level will become clear once the Patriots release their first injury report of the week later in the day.

Optimistic about playing Sunday

Gronkowski hopes to be removed from the NFL's concussion protocol as soon as Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: When asked Tuesday if he thought he would play in Super Bowl LII against the Eagles, Gronkowski replied, "Yes," while adding that he's feeling good at this stage of the week. In any case, the next clue regarding the tight end's playing status for Sunday should arrive no later than Wednesday, when the Patriots release their first practice participation report of the week.

Not expected to participate in Super Bowl Opening Night

Gronkowski, who is still in the NFL's concussion protocol, is not expected to participate in Super Bowl Opening Night, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Though the injury report the Patriots were required to submit this past Friday lists Gronkowski as out, the tight end seemed to participate in practice again Sunday in some capacity, which is a step in the right direction with regard to his availability for this coming weekend's Super Bowl against the Eagles. As long as Gronkowski resides in concussion protocol, it can't be taken for granted that he'll suit up Sunday, but apparent back-to-back practice appearances, beginning Saturday, per…read more

Remains in concussion protocol

Gronkowski (concussion) was able to practice in limited fashion Sunday, but he remains in the league's concussion protocol, NFL Network's Omar Ruiz reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski still has an entire week to be cleared and deemed available for the Patriots' Super Bowl contest against the Eagles, but for now he'll remain subject to the concussion protocol. Additional updates regarding Gronkowski's status should become available throughout the upcoming week, while fellow tight ends Dwayne Allen and Jacob Hollister figure to see increased reps during practice in the meantime.

Returns to practice

Gronkowski (concussion) returned to practice Saturday, The Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: The team has not officially declared whether Gronkowski has cleared concussion protocol, but his presence at practice is a good indication he's progressing in a positive direction. He appears to be trending toward an active designation for the Patriots' Super Bowl matchup versus the Eagles. Expect an update on the tight end's status once the Patriots provide more information.

Misses practice again Friday

Gronkowski (concussion) remained sidelined at practice Friday.

Analysis: Moreover, the tight end is technically listed as out by the Patriots at this time, but as Mike Reiss of ESPN.com notes, the team was required to attach a game status to Gronkowski on Friday based on his present condition. With the Super Bowl against the Eagles not taking place until Feb. 4, Gronkowski still has more than a week to clear the NFL's concussion protocol and shed his current designation. With that in mind, Reiss adds that if Gronkowski continues to progress, he has a good chance to…read more

Optimism regarding Super Bowl status

Dianna Russini of ESPN indicated Thursday that the "overall feel" in the Patriots' locker room is that Gronkowski (concussion) will be available for the Super Bowl.

Analysis: That notion is echoed by a WEEI.com report, which relays that sources tell Kirk Minihane of the Kirk & Callahan show that Gronkowski "will absolutely be good to go" for the Patriots' Feb. 4 showdown against the Eagles. Gronkowski did not practice Thursday, and while we don't expect a blow-by-blow account from the Patriots regarding his progress through the NFL's concussion protocol, time would appear to be on the tight end's side, given the two-week gap between championship weekend and the…read more

Not spotted at practice Thursday

Gronkowski (concussion) was not spotted at Thursday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: There figures to be a Gronkowski watch leading up to Super Bowl LII, but for now the tight end presumably remains in the NFL's concussion protocol. Working in his favor is that the Patriots don't take on the Eagles until Feb. 4, so Gronkowski does have a decent amount of time in the meantime in order to gain medical clearance to play in the big game.

Listed as non-participant on practice report estimate

Gronkowski (concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report estimate.

Analysis: Gronkowski has some medical hurdles in front of him in order to be cleared in advance of Super Bowl LII, which takes place Feb. 4, but the extra time between games (the tight end was concussed this past Sunday) helps his cause. There's been a degree of optimism with regard to Gronkowski's availability for the Super Bowl, but his status will still need to be monitored closely in the coming days, and we suspect that he'll ultimately be listed as questionable for the contest.

Optimistic for Super Bowl

The Patriots are optimistic that Gronkowski (concussion) will be cleared in advance of Super Bowl LII, which takes place on Feb. 4, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski was forced out of Sunday's AFC championship win over the Jaguars after absorbing a helmet-to-helmet hit. The Patriots' star tight end will benefit from the added time leading up to the Super Bowl, so we expect there's a pretty good chance that he'll gain clearance as the big game approaches. Prior to his second-quarter exit from Sunday's contest, Gronkowski logged 26 snaps, catching one of his three targets for 21 yards. Upon his departure, Dwayne Allen saw an uptick in snaps (39)…read more

Enters concussion protocol

Gronkowski has entered concussion protocol, but there's optimism the tight end will be cleared in time for the Super Bowl on Feb. 4, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski absorbed a helmet-to-helmet hit in the second quarter of Sunday's AFC championship game against the Jaguars and was later ruled out for the remainder of the contest. His chances of being cleared in time are benefitted by the fact he'll have an extra week of rest with the Super Bowl still two weeks away.

Won't return Sunday

Gronkowski (head) has been ruled out of Sunday's AFC championship game against the Jaguars.

Analysis: In the aftermath of a helmet-to-helmet hit at the end of the first half, Gronkowski was taken directly to the locker room to undergo concussion testing. He didn't join his teammates on the sideline after halftime, at which point he was deemed questionable to return. With reentry ruled out, the Patriots will likely rely on their stable of wideouts and running backs to sustain the passing game.

Questionable to return

Gronkowski (head) is questionable to return to Sunday's AFC championship game versus the Jaguars.

Analysis: Gronkowski was on the receiving end of a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jaguars safety Barry Church in the latter stages of the first half. Rather than make an immediate visit to the blue sideline tent, Gronkowski went the locker room and remains under evaluation for a concussion. If Gronkowski is unable to return, the Patriots will be down to one healthy tight end in Dwayne Allen.

Suffers potential head injury

Gronkowski (head) went to the locker room in the last two minutes of the first half of Sunday's AFC championship game against the Jaguars, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski took a hit to the side of the head from Jags safety Barry Church on a pass attempt, a play that draw a personal foul penalty. After getting to his feet slowly, Gronkowski avoided the blue sideline tent as he was instead escorted to the locker room. A concussion check is in order, but the rigorous protocol for head injuries may make it difficult to return to action.

Gronkowski turned nine targets into six catches for 81 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 35-14 win over the Titans in the divisional round.

Analysis: Gronkowski was one of four New England receivers to draw at least nine targets, as Tom Brady spread the ball around on his 53 pass attempts. It was a pretty quiet fantasy day for Gronk until the fourth quarter, but a four-yard touchdown catch that made it 35-7 remedied that problem. While Pittsburgh and Jacksonville both rank among the league's five best pass defenses, Gronkowski should still be viewed as the top remaining fantasy tight end heading into next week's AFC championship game…read more

Gronkowski did not catch any passes in Sunday's 26-6 win over the Jets.

Analysis: Gronkowski saw his share of double-teams in the contest, but overall he simply wasn't a big part of the team's Week 17 game plan. More importantly, the oft-injured tight end will head into the playoffs healthy and once the Patriots resume action following their first-round bye, we'd expect Gronkowski to reclaim his significant role in the New England passing attack.

Gronkowski (illness) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Analysis: Gronkowski will be a go for this weekend's game and should see his normal share of snaps in the contest as long as the outcome is in question. With a win (or a Steelers loss) Sunday, the Patriots would clinch the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed.

Back at practice

Gronkowski (illness) returned to practice Friday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski sat out Thursday's practice due to an illness, but it appears that will be the extent of his absence. He is on track to suit up like he regularly does for the Patriots' Week 17 matchup with the Jets.

An illness kept Gronkowski out of Thursday's practice, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Analysis: We'd expect the tight end to return to practice Friday in some capacity, but in any case look for Gronkowski to be a go Sunday against the Jets. With a Week 17 win, the Patriots would clinch the No. 1 playoff seed in the AFC.

Gronkowski (undisclosed) was not present for the initial stages of Thursday's practice, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: We'll circle back on the tight end's status later Thursday, but the report suggests that it's possible Gronkowski could be under the weather, or alternatively it could end up that he was able to rejoin his teammates later in the practice session.

Gronkowski caught five of his seven targets for 67 yards and a TD in Sunday's 37-16 win over the Bills.

Analysis: Assuming the Patriots have something to play for in Week 17, Gronkowski profiles as a top-flight fantasy option at tight end next Sunday against the Jets.

Gronkowski caught nine of 13 targets for 168 yards during Sunday's 27-24 victory over the Steelers.

Analysis: Gronkowski was well-rested coming off his one-game suspension and had his way with the Steelers' Ryan Shazier-less linebacker corps, setting a season-high receiving mark in the process. Unsurprisingly, his hulking presence also seemed to make the Patriots' offense operate more effectively than it had in Week 14's disastrous loss to the Dolphins -- the contest Gronkowski wasn't eligible to play. His 13 targets from Sunday were nearly double what second-place finisher Brandin Cooks saw. Thus,…read more

Rejoins 53-man roster

Gronkowski (suspension) was added to the 53-man roster Wednesday, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski's one-game ban has been served, but the Patriots had a roster exemption for the tight end, which was accompanied by a deadline of Saturday. The team wasted no time finalizing the active roster, though, with a number of moves Wednesday, one of which was lifting the exemption. Although his upcoming opponent, the Steelers, have made life difficult for tight ends this season, Gronkowski has tormented them throughout his career to the tune of 99.2 yards per game and eight touchdowns in…read more

Suspension complete

Gronkowski's suspension was lifted Tuesday, but the Patriots now have a roster exemption for the tight end, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: With the exemption at their disposal, the Patriots have until Saturday to release a player in order to open up a spot on the 53-man roster. There's little doubt the team will do so, but it may want to evaluate the health of certain positional groups before making the final call. In any case, Gronkowski will return Sunday against a Steelers defense that has allowed 6.4 YPT and an NFL-low two touchdowns to tight ends this season.

Suspension upheld

The NFL has upheld Gronkowski's one-game suspension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski will thus miss Monday's game against the Dolphins and is eligible to return to action in Week 15 against the Steelers. Dwayne Allen is set to start at tight end for the Patriots this weekend, with Jacob Hollister on hand in a reserve role.

Draws one-game suspension

Gronkowski has been suspended for one game as the result of his late hit on Buffalo's Tre'Davious White in Sunday's 23-3 win over the Bills, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Gronkowski will appeal his suspension, but in the meantime, those who normally rely on the Patriots' star tight end will need to look for alternate arrangements in Week 14. His backup, Dwayne Allen, is an option on that front, but there's no guarantee he'd be a big part of the New England passing game in the absence of Gronkowski next Monday against the Dolphins. Gronkowski likely will get final word on the appeal by midweek, freelance NFL reporter Jason La Canfora reports.

May be suspended

Gronkowski may be suspended for Week 14 against the Dolphins as a result of his cheap shot on cornerback Tre'Davious White during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 23-3 victory over the Bills, ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski came in after the play and threw his shoulder into White, who clearly had already given himself up (and seemed to be injured) after picking off a pass. The incident occurred with the Patriots up by 20 points in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter, at which point Gronkowski was sitting on a nine-catch, 147-yard performance. He did publicly apologize to White when speaking with the media after Sunday's game, but the tight end probably didn't do himself any favors when he…read more

Explodes for season-high totals in win

Gronkowski brought in nine of 11 targets for 147 yards in Sunday's 23-3 win over the Bills.

Analysis: The 28-year-old's target, reception and yardage totals were all season bests in what was his second 100-yard effort of the campaign. The one blemish on Gronkowski's day came when was flagged for unnecessary roughness with 4:50 remaining in the fourth quarter for spearing a prone Tre'Davious White, who'd intercepted a pass intended for the Patriots' tight end. A fully healthy Gronkowski has reestablished himself as a top-tier fantasy producer after an injury-shortened 2016, as he's now just 152…read more

Gronkowski (illness) brought in five of eight targets for 82 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 35-17 win over the Dolphins.

Analysis: The All-Pro tight end shook off a late-week illness two post his best receiving yardage total since Week 6, which also marked his only other contest with multiple touchdowns this season. Gronkowski has only one 100-yard effort on the campaign, but he naturally remains a top priority for Tom Brady whenever the latter drops back to pass. Perhaps just as important as any numbers he's generated this season, the oft-injured tight end has managed to mostly maintain his health, keeping him on pace to…read more

Says he's good to go

Gronkowski (illness) relayed Friday that he is good to go for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski, who noted that he feels fortunate that he was able to move past his illness quickly since missing practice Wednesday, is thus in line to head the Patriots' tight end corps in Week 12. As long as he continues to suit up he's a fantasy lineup lock, heading into Sunday's action with a total of 41 catches (on 67 targets) for 620 yards and five TDs over the course of nine outings this season.

Back at practice

Gronkowski (illness) returned to a limited practice Thursday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski is in little danger of missing Sunday's game against the Dolphins, a notion that would be solidified Friday in the event that the Patriots do not assign their star tight end an official Week 12 injury designation for the contest.

Gronkowski missed Wednesday's practice due to an illness.

Analysis: Gronkowski's lengthy injury history made his absence from practice Wednesday notable, but the clarification that he's not banged up and instead is under the weather should ease concerns about his availability for the Week 12 matchup with the Dolphins. Unless the illness is more of a concern than the Patriots are willing to admit, look for the tight end to resume practicing Thursday or Friday.

Gronkowski (undisclosed) wasn't present for Wednesday's practice, the Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski was on the field for 88 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps in the Week 11 win over the Raiders, and with no injury setbacks having been reported since then, it's quite possible that the star tight end's absence Wednesday is maintenance-related.

Gronkowski caught all three passes directed his way for 36 yards in Sunday's 33-8 defeat of the Raiders.

Analysis: Despite the Raiders being a good matchup for tight ends, Gronkowski was not a major part of the game plan and simply wasn't targeted after the Patriots got up 24-0 early in the third quarter. The Patriots' other tight ends, Dwayne Allen and Martellus Bennett, totaled five targets in the contest, with three of them coming in the second half. Gronk will look to get back to his dominant ways in Week 12 against Miami.

Gronkowski logged 61 out of a possible 70 snaps on offense in Sunday's 41-16 win over the Broncos, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Gronkowski recorded four catches on seven targets for 74 yards Sunday, plus the tight end had what he believed was a TD grab in the second quarter ruled incomplete. Though Martellus Bennett (seven snaps) is back in the mix, and Dwayne Allen (20 snaps) parlayed his first catch of the season into a touchdown, Gronkowski remains a top red-zone option and chain-mover in the New England offense, and as long as he remains healthy, he'll continue to profile as one of the top fantasy options at his…read more