Patriots' Bill Belichick: No decision yet about Rob Gronkowski's status

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowskisaid Monday that he would play in New England's season opener against the Dolphins, but head coach Bill Belichick says the team has not made that decision yet. 

"With all due respect to Rob, I’m glad he feels the way he does, but in the end, we’ll do what’s best for the team," Belichick said during a conference call with reporters.

Gronkowski, who had surgery in January to repair a torn ACL, had said throughout training camp that he planned to be ready to go when the regular season began. 

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Injuries to his knee, back and forearm have limited the 25-year-old to just 18 games in the past two seasons combined. In 2011, Gronkowski set records for most receiving yards (1,327) and touchdowns (17) by a tight end in a season.

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- Dan Gartland