Jeff Howe On Toucher & Rich: Gronk Poised To Have 'Gigantic' Season
BOSTON (CBS) -- It's clear that the Patriots are taking extra precautions with superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski in the preseason. Gronk hasn't played a single snap in games, and will likely sit out the fourth and final contest.
Bill Belichick doesn't usually have special rules for certain players - but obviously, Gronk is a special talent.
Jeff Howe from the Boston Herald joined Toucher & Rich Tuesday morning to talk Patriots, and touched on the surprising amount of caution the team is taking with Gronkowski as they prepare for the regular season. Howe says Gronk "looks like an absolute freak" in practice, and that the team doesn't need to play him in meaningless games and risk injury to Tom Brady's most valuable weapon.
"Rob Gronkowski could have a gigantic year. There's no need in throwing him out there in unnecessary situations," he said. "He's a guy who can pick it up in stride without that extra time. We saw what he did last year once he got going in the regular season."
Gronk has enjoyed his first injury-free offseason since 2011, when he want on to score 17 touchdowns. Is 20 scores within reach for Gronk? It sounds like he won't need preseason playing time to get there.
Howe also talked about the Patriots' options at fullback with the injury to James Develin, and the state of the defense entering the regular season. Listen to the full interview below.