The New England Patriots plan to ease Rob Gronkowski into the 2014 season.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapport reported on NFL Network's GameDay Morning on Sunday that Gronk will be on the field against the Miami Dolphins, but won't see the full complement of snaps.
Gronkowski is coming off a torn ACL. The dynamic tight end has missed 14 games the past two seasons.
Expect to see more Michael Hoomanawanui and Tim Wright on Sunday.
The news isn't what fantasy football players wanted to hear about Gronk, but the Pats have insisted on bringing Gronk along slowly. There is no need to force-feed the tight end in Week 1.
Tom Brady (calf) will also start Sunday, per Rapoport. The calf might limit Brady's mobility, but he's not a mobile quarterback even when he's 100 percent.
The latest "Around The NFL Podcast" recaps the season opener and previews every Week 1 game.