A source tells the Boston Herald that Rob Gronkowski's (back surgery) rehab is "right on schedule" for a mid-September return.
The source adds that Gronkowski is "healed and advanced to the point he would be close to playing Week 1." He's suffered zero setbacks, and the "realistic" time frame for Gronkowski to be back in "football shape" would be "around Week 3." The Patriots have been "doing their best to hold him back," and ESPN reported earlier Monday that it'd be a "huge stretch" to think Gronkowski would play in the opener. All signs point to Gronk avoiding the reserve/PUP list to start the season.
Per Rotoworld.