Rob Gronkowski back at Patriots' practice after nine days away

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (undisclosed) returned to practice Wednesday after missing the previous nine days.

What It Means:

On August 15, Gronkowski "pulled up lame" and that was all the information the media was able to extract regarding the "injury." However, the issue -- whatever it happened to be -- was minor, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Pats don't have a reason to rush Gronk back and his status for Week 1 is not in doubt.

Our algorithms project Gronkowski as our number one tight end by a wide margin, with 86 receptions for 1,113 yards and 11.43 touchdowns this season.