BY NICK ST. DENIS
We all know Rob Gronkowski likes to have fun. But get this: he has fun, on the field, too.
The New England Patriots' All-World tight end returned to team drills this week after being taken off the PUP list. He's not expected to make an in-game appearance Week 1, and a short Week 2 means he probably won't be a go until Week 3 at the earliest.
But Gronk is just happy to don football gear again. Even if it is just practice.
“It’s just fun being back out there,” Gronkowski said Wednesday, via Mike Petraglia of WEEI. “Putting the pads on, just having them on makes me happy again. I love this game. I definitely miss the game of football, going out there and practicing with my teammates. I miss doing the grind with my teammates, miss being out there with my coaches and everything.
"It’s just awesome being back out there and with the team and focused on getting things done."
Gronkowski is coming off back surgery, which followed four surgeries on his twice-broken arm. The Patriots won't rush him back, especially with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets on the upcoming slate.
"When my number is called, that's when I'll play," Gronkowski said.
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