MIAMI GARDENS, Florida - As the Patriots prepare to wrap their regular season and embark on a Gronkless postseason, there's reason to be encouraged about the big tight end.
Rob Gronkowski is expected to be ready to participate in the team's offseason program, according to a source.
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Gronk, who underwent season-ending back surgery in November, was up and about immediately after his surgery and was at a promotional event this week in Boston. But availability for the offseason after his third back surgery since 2009 was still undetermined.
The Patriots have Gronk locked up through 2019 at very team-friendly rates. Gronkowski's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, had discussions with the team last offseason about a restructure.