Rob Gronkowski reportedly had pectoral injury during offseason

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was held out of organized team activities last month, and we may have our answer as to why.

ESPN’s Dianna Marie Russini reported on Tuesday that Gronkowski is “finally feeling great” after suffering a pectoral injury earlier this offseason. The injury apparently was a cause for concern at one point.

Sources close to Rob Gronkowski tell me that he is finally feeling great after injuring his pec muscle this off season. #Patriots

— Dianna Marie Russini (@diannaESPN) August 2, 2016

Also told the injury had him worried but as you can see from his play the last few days at camp… he is ready to go #Patriots

— Dianna Marie Russini (@diannaESPN) August 2, 2016

The Patriots never said why Gronkowski was absent, and there was even some speculation that he violated a team rule and was being disciplined. The injury makes more sense, as it doesn’t appear Gronk has done much wrong lately unless you count this hilarious shot at Julian Edelman.

Given his injury history and importance to the team, the Patriots always play it safe with Gronkowski. It appears this was another case of them doing that.