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"Yes, for sure," Gronkowski told Cari Champion on ESPN when
asked if he expects to play in Week 1. "No doubt."
Gronkowski, who underwent season-ending back surgery in
December, played only eight games during the 2016 season after
missing time with a hamstring injury and bruised lung.
Gronkowski's injury history has put his future in question, with
the 27-year-old Pro Bowler undergoing eight surgeries. He
finished the 2016 season with 25 catches for 540 yards and three
touchdowns but watched from the sideline as his teammates
rallied from a historic 25-point deficit to beat the Atlanta
Falcons in overtime in the Super Bowl.
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The NFL awarded 32 compensatory draft picks to 16 different
teams for the 2017 draft, the league announced
Four different teams were awarded four choices -- the Cincinnati
Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos and Kansas City
Chiefs. The Miami Dolphins were given three selections.
Based on NFL compensatory rules, a team that lost better free
agents than it acquired in the previous year is eligible to
receive compensatory picks. The formula is based on salary,
playing time and postseason honors.
The compensation picks begin after the conclusion of the third
round. Eleven third-round picks were distributed beginning with
the Dolphins having the 97th overall pick. The NFL Draft will be
held April 27-29 in Philadelphia.
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The San Francisco 49ers signed wide receiver DeAndre Carter to a
two-year deal.
Carter, 23, stood out among a group of players who worked out
for the new 49ers' coaching and scouting staff earlier this
week, according to the Sacramento Bee.
The 5-foot-8, 190-pound Carter originally signed with the
Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2015. He
was waived in August that year and was signed to the Oakland
Raiders' practice squad later in 2015. Following his release
from the Raiders on Dec. 1, 2015, Carter was signed to the New
England Patriots' practice two weeks later.
After spending training camp with New England in 2016, he was
waived on Sept. 3. (Editing by Gene Cherry)
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