EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Rob Gronkowski emerged from the south end tunnel at Met Life Stadium with about 45 minutes left until kickoff of the Patriots Week 12 game against the Jets. His left arm was still wrapped in that brace that looks to be as thick as a wool blanket. He sputtered toward a three-man blocking drill with Jacob Hollister and James Develin, doling out high-fives along the way.
This jogging in starts and stops seems to just be a part of Gronkowski’s football life now—movement similar to an aging rock star who is still capable of packing arenas, but who looks like he might benefit from some comfortable orthopedic shoes.