Gronkowski cleared to play

Jul 23, 2014 - 6:39 PM Foxboro, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been medically cleared to take part in all workouts and practices during training camp after recovering from knee surgery.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick revealed the news during a press conference Wednesday morning.

"He's been cleared to play," said Belichick.

Gronkowski suffered a torn ACL last December in a Week 14 game against Cleveland and underwent surgery in January. There was speculation that he could begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

The 25-year-old Arizona product played just seven games last year and finished the season with 39 receptions for 592 yards with four touchdowns. He began the 2013 campaign on the PUP list while recovering from offseason procedures for his back and forearm.

Gronkowski, entering his fifth season, hasn't played a full 16 games since 2011, when he caught 90 passes for 1,327 yards with 17 touchdowns. He played just 11 games in 2012 because of a broken arm.