Gronkowski Confirms He’ll Be at Patriots Minicamp; Brady and Gronk Both at Gillette Monday

By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

Both Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have long been reported as likely to attend Patriots mandatory minicamp, which runs June 5-7 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Brady's attendance remains largely confirmed, while Gronkowski has given a confirmation of his own.

As reported by CBS Boston, the tight end confirmed his expected attendance at minicamp to reporters at the One Mission Buzz Off event, where he and many others shaved their heads for charity.

"We’ve got mandatory minicamp this week. So I’ll be there this week. I’ll be full go. I’m looking forward to it. Can’t wait to get back to work. I’m excited," Gronkowski said.

Brady, meanwhile, has yet to address his expected presence at minicamp himself. But the latest report from Albert Breer of The MMQB says that Brady is still expected to work with the team at their first mandatory activities of the offseason.

UPDATE: Mike Reiss of ESPNtweeted on Monday that Brady and Gronkowski are both at Gillette Stadium on Monday as part of the Patriots' "Fantasy Camp", which gives attendees the chance to experience the day in the life of a Patriots player. The Patriots later confirmed this with a series of photos revealing Brady and Gronkowski at the event, in addition to receiver Chris Hogan and running back Rex Burkhead.

Breer also reported that no one he's spoken with has indicated that Brady and Gronkowski's absences have not had a negative effect on the operation at Gillette. He noted that much of the work during OTAs is "individual" and the real team-oriented activities ramp up at camp. Brian Hoyer's presence as Brady's backup during OTAs is noted as an element that has "helped assure that things wouldn’t fly off the rails."

The reasons for Brady's absence from OTAs have been widely speculated, but also attributed to his focus on spending more time with his family and tending to his other business ventures. Gronkowski's absence, meanwhile, has reportedly been due to his contract, which is being restructured.

Brady has reportedly been working out with Julian Edelman from time to time in the Patriots' indoor practice bubble at Patriot Place, but not at the same time that OTAs have taken place.

As you'd expect, all eyes will be on Brady and Gronkowski when they finally take the field. The hope is they look as sharp as they would if they'd been with the team the whole time.

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.

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