FOXBORO -- Rob Gronkowski continues to be limited by a hamstring injury he sustained in joint training-camp practices with the Bears and he acknowledged on Thursday that he's less than 100 percent.
"No, I'm not [100 percent healthy] ever since that one time during practices versus the Bears," the Patriots tight end said. "It's been week-to-week with a little hammy thing. It's been week-to-week, day-by-day, but I'm feeling good."
He added: "I can't put a percentage on it, but I'm just feeling better every day."
The Patriots have kept four tight ends, a fullback and nine offensive linemen on their 53-man roster indicating that they might be inclined to use some "heavy" offensive sets with multiple players who can block as well as become options in the passing game. If Gronkowski would be at all limited in New England's Week 1 game against the Cardinals, it would inhibit offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' ability to call upon those versatile formations.
Gronkowski seemed optimistic about his ability to play on Sunday night.
"Yeah, it boils to a coaching decision," Gronkowski said. "The medical team, and myself, we'll all get together and collaborate and see where I'm at."
Gronkowski was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, and the Patriots will release two more practice reports this week. His status as a game-changing receiver in the passing game and highly-effective blocker in the running game makes his health one of the most important Patriots-related storylines to watch as they prepare to begin the regular season with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as their starting quarterback.