The Facts: Gronkowski continues to rehab from ACL and MCL tears sustained in December. "I'm actually improving every week," the tight end said on Tuesday. "It's feeling good and coming along very well." One of the best playmakers in the NFL deflected questions about whether or not he will be ready for the season opener on Sept. 7. "Oh man, that's too far away," Gronkowski said. "I'm just improving every day right now. I'm working hard every day to put myself in the best situation so that I'm ready."

Diehards Line: Which is the only answer possible at this point. That said, it's been reported that Gronkowski, who joined the team for voluntary workouts last week (although he was limited), will take as much time as necessary to make sure he's healthy before returning -- then "he'll take more time." Given Gronkowski's injury history and the rehab schedule for ACL repairs, the Patriots aren't likely to push their best pass-catcher onto the field too soon. In New England it's about winning in January, not September. Having a healthy Gronk by the time the calendar flips is the priority.