Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski isn't expected to play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, NESN.com reports.

Fantasy Impact

It would be more of a surprise if Gronkowski did play. The Patriots will more than likely sit their veteran TE out of all the preseason games to avoid injuries. Fantasy owners should pay attention to camp reports to see how Gronkowski is progressing through camp and if his back is healthy.

Mike Reiss of ESPN NFL Nation posted on Twitter this morning and included the following quote from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick regarding Rob Gronkowski's health. Belichick said that Gronkowski is entering training camp with "No limits that I'm aware of."

Fantasy Impact

This is great news for Gronkowski, who has often faced injuries in his career. Gronkowski is still only 28 years old, so he is in the prime age for TEs to reach their peak, yet he's already shown that he can be a league-winner if he's on your team. If Gronkowski stays healthy this season, he will easily return value on his current ADP in the second round. He has by far the highest ceiling of any tight end for fantasy, but if you're paying up for Gronkowski, it's a good idea to invest in a competent backup as an insurance policy, as the cost of missing on a top tight end is larger than running backs or wide receivers that you draft several of.

New England Patriots beat writer Mike Reiss is reporting tight end Rob Gronkowski (back) is practicing "without restrictions" and is "feeling great" at OTAs. “You just have to always look at the positives,” Gronkowski said via ESPN. “Right now I’m feeling great. I’m feeling good out there with the team. We’re just at the stage right now, OTAs, offseason workouts, just getting to know each other, feeling it all out. Everything is going good. So I’m just happy to be where I am, happy to be out on the field playing football and participating.”

Fantasy Impact

Gronkowski, who only played in eight games last season due to a back injury, is practicing in full at OTAs. The veteran tight end hasn't played in a full 16 game slate since 2011 and is raising concern around the fantasy football world. However, he remains the top tight end to target in fantasy drafts despite the injury risk because of the high reward he carries if he plays in the majority of the games during the year. Gronkowski owners should also target and roster Dwayne Allen as his handcuff for precautionary reasons.

The Boston Herald's Karen Guregian is reporting that Rob Gronkowski was a "full go" during the Patriots OTAs.

Fantasy Impact

This is definitely a good sign that Gronk is on the right track for this season, but we've seen this time and time again. Only time will tell if Gronk can play a full season, but his heavy incentive driven contract certainly should motivate him to stay healthy on and off the field.

New England Patriots beat writer Mike Reiss is reporting tight end Rob Gronkowski (back) is medically cleared to return to practice.

Fantasy Impact

Gronkowski remains on track in his recovery from a back injury suffered during the 2016 season. He has been cleared to practice for the first time since sustaining the injury. Although the 28-year-old tight end, who has battled injuries throughout his career will likely be limited during minicamp, he is expected to be a full-go for training camp that begins in late July.