Gronkowski, who hinted he could retire, will return to New England
BOSTON» Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski says he is returning for his ninth NFL season.
Gronkowski made the announcement in a post on Instagram Tuesday. Gronkowski said he met with coach Bill Belichick to inform him of his intention to return, adding he’s “been working out, staying in shape and feel great.”
Gronk previously hinted at considering retirement following New England’s Super Bowl loss to the Eagles in February.
He appeared in 14 games during the 2017 season and led the team in receiving with 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns.
Gronkowski was knocked out of last season’s AFC championship game with a concussion, but was able to return in time for the Super Bowl. He missed the Patriots’ 2017 Super Bowl win over Atlanta after undergoing back surgery.
Vikings’ Cook on track for training camp.
Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook, his promising rookie season cut painfully short at four games because of a torn ACL in his left knee, has passed the six-month mark in his rehabilitation and remains on track for full action when training camp begins.
He’ll be a limited participant in practices this spring and minicamp, head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman said, and has impressed the team at each stage of his recovery. There’s no reason why he won’t be ready to play in the season opener on Sept. 9.
“Dalvin’s knocked the rehab out of the park,” Sugarman said. “He’s done a great job. He’s been here every day since the injury occurred, post-surgery.”
Rams pick up options. fifth-year
The Rams picked up their fifth-year contract options for 2019 on running back Todd Gurley and cornerback Marcus Peters.
Gurley led the NFL in allpurpose yards as the league’s offensive player of the year last season, thriving in new coach Sean McVay’s offense. He rushed for 1,305 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching 64 passes for 788 yards and six more scores.
The Rams acquired Peters from the Chiefs in February, and he is expected to start alongside fellow newcomer Aqib Talib. Peters earned two Pro Bowl selections and made 19 interceptions during his three seasons in Kansas City.
Footnotes.
The questions about tackle Ereck Flowers’ future with the New York Giants are increasing as the 2015 first-round draft pick was a no-show for the team’s first voluntary minicamp under new coach Pat Shurmur. Players do not have to attend either the organized team activities or any minicamps. … The Colts will induct former receiver Reggie Wayne into the team’s Ring of Honor during a Nov. 18 game against Tennessee. Wayne spent 14 seasons and played in a franchise record 211 games. He finished his career with 1,070 receptions, 14,345 yards and 82 touchdown catches — all second in franchise history. He’s 10th in league history in receptions and yards receiving. … The Panthers have exercised the fifth-year option on outside linebacker Shaq Thompson’s contract. Thompson is now under contract through the 2019 season.