Bob Ryan: 'I want Gronk back when he's ready'

At the start of training camp, Bill Belichick informed the media that Rob Gronkowski was cleared to play.

The tight end hasn't been taking contact on the field as of yet, but he says that he is still making progress.

Bob Ryan joined Arbella Early Edition to discuss what the Patriots should do with Gronkowski.

"I'm with Gronk, whatever he wants," said Ryan. "I want Gronk back when Gronk is ready play, and happy, and comfortable and mentally clear to play. Whatever is going on, I'm siding with Gronk."

Ryan had high praise for the Patriots tight end.

"I firmly believe his best, is the best tight end play in the history of this sport… Gronkowski was as good a blocker as you'd want and as good a pass catcher as you'd want. Therefore he's the greatest tight end in history when he was playing healthy."

-- CSNNE.com