FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Rob Gronkowski looked "almost Gronk-esque" on Sunday as he practiced in full pads for the first time since having back surgery. The star tight end for the New England Patriots participated in drills with his teammates during the 15 minutes reporters were allowed to observe the start of practice. Gronkowski isnt expected to play in the first few games but wasnt placed on the physically unable to perform list, a move that would have required him to miss at least the first six games of the season. "He looked good," tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. "He looked almost Gronk-esque." In his three NFL seasons, Gronkowski has been chosen for two Super Bowls and caught 187 passes for 38 touchdowns despite missing the last five regular-season games last year. Hes had four operations this year, three on his broken left forearm and one on his back on June 18. He had another forearm surgery last year after breaking it on Nov. 18 while blocking on an extra point against the Indianapolis Colts. Gronkowski walked into the locker room with a smile Sunday and told reporters he would speak with them later in the week. The other two tight ends were glad to see him working out in pads. During training camp, he frequently watched practice from the sideline while dressed in a T-shirt and shorts. "It was very cool to see him out there" on Sunday, said tight end Zach Sudfeld, who made the team as a rookie free agent from Nevada. "This is the first time Ive been able to practice and have him be out there, so it was a great experience." The cheerful Gronkowski has attended team and positional meetings and watched film, so he hasnt been a stranger to his teammates. Practicing with him, though, provided "a little sense of normality," Hoomanawanui said, "Its definitely great to have him out there back with the team even though we see him each and every day in every meeting. Were used to that, but just to have him out there -- Gronk being Gronk -- kind of lifts everyones spirits, helps the team out." Last years other star tight end, Aaron Hernandez, is being held without bail on a murder charge. The Patriots released veteran tight ends Jake Ballard and Daniel Fells on Saturday. That left just Gronkowski, Hoomanawanui and Sudfeld as tight end on the roster. Sudfeld was expected to make the team after a strong preseason but was thrilled to get the official word on Saturday. "I was very excited, obviously," he said. "Its kind of a childhood dream come true to make the team in the NFL. But, at this point, Im trying to look forward because theres a lot of work that has to be done. ... Now the real work begins." At 6-feet-7 and 260 pounds, Sudfeld is about the same size as Gronkowski. "Hes been teaching me a lot," Sudfeld said. "Just for him to be able to show me the ropes a little bit has been really good." Hoomanawanui is three inches shorter than Sudfeld and has greater versatility, sometimes lining up in the backfield. He played 14 games for the Patriots last year after being released by the St. Louis Rams on the final mandatory cut. He has 25 catches in 30 NFL games. He took a pay cut this year to stay with the Patriots. "Its tough going from team to team. Ive done that once before, last year, and the learning curve is tough," he said. "Usually, the guys that pick up on it are the guys thatll stick around. ... Being able to come back here in the off-season, in the spring, in training camp, definitely helped my cause." So did his ability to fill different roles. "Since I got here that has always been my (goal), to do whatever it is that (coach Bill Belichick) needs me to do to help them win," he said. "I think coaches have noticed that and Ive taken it to heart and really worked on that. So thats why Im still here." Hes here practicing, again, with Gronkowski. "Hes the same each and every day," Hoomanawanui said. "Theres really no highs and lows with him, no matter the situation, and I think thats maybe the greatest characteristic of all. Hes obviously a great football player, but things he brings to the meetings and the team each and every day are pretty special, too." Air Max 97 Pas Cher Chine .Impact president Joey Saputo confirmed Thursday that he is part of a group of investors whose offer to buy the 105-year-old Italian club was accepted by the teams board of directors. Grossiste Air Max 90 Chine . Sources tell TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger that the team is quietly gauging interest on the Senators captain, though Spezza has a limited no-trade clause and carries a large contract. https://www.grossistechaussurepascher.fr/. Philippe Desrosiers stopped 42 shots through overtime and three more in the shootout to pick up his third shutout of the season for Rimouski (31-15-7). Zachary Fucale made 28 saves for Halifax (34-17-3) in the loss. Chaussures Pas Cher Soldes . -- The defending Canadian womens curling champions squandered an opportunity to take sole possession of first place in the standings Tuesday at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Vente De Chaussures Pas Cher . TSN 1290s coverage begins with Hustler & Lawless at 3pm. Rick Ralph hosts the Official Jets Pre-game Show at 5pm.Mark Warburton believes his Rangers side will get the perfect preparation for the Scottish Cup final when they face Tottenham at the Londoners training base on Wednesday. Gers face the Premier League side in a behind-closed-doors friendly as they step up plans for their Hampden date with Hibernian, live on Sky Sports on May 21. It is unlikely the Scottish Championship winners will come up against many of Mauricio Pochettinos star names but Warburton believes the work-out is just what his side need as they chase a treble, having claimed the Petrofac Training Cup prior to securing the second tier title.When asked what strength of Spurs side he expects his side to face, he told RangersTV: Well find out, but whatever it will be it will be a technically gifted, very athletic team.Its always a stern challenge and its a magnificent training base, one of the very best in Europe, theres no doubt about that. So we know it will be a tough test and its what we need, we need that sharpener and that will hold us in good stead for the 21st. Rangers players celebrate winning the Petrofac Training Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park, Glasgow The match will take place at Tottenhams Enfield training base and Warburton insists Rangers can learn a lot from the club he supports.Its important for us in terms of it being the final game before the cup final, so that is the obvious benefit of that, he added.Were veery thankful to Spurs for their hospitality, they are a tremendous club and we can learn a lot from Tottenham.dddddddddddd I know Im talking as a Spurs fan here but forget the bias, their academy is first class with a number of players coming through. Dominic Ball returning to Spurs with Rangers You look at Harry Kane, Tom Carroll, Ryan Mason, Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore. Nabil Bentaleb is now coming through and so is Alex Pritchard. Its a fantastic academy. We have Dom Ball here whos been a credit to Spurs and to himself.Dom has come up and the players are hungry, so we are delighted to have a good relationship with Spurs and well go down there and look forward to what will be a very challenging game. Former Brentford boss Warburton also hopes to use the match to showcase Rangers as a potential destination should Spurs look to send out more of their youngsters on loan.Weve taken players in the past, we had young Alex Pritchard at Brentford last year, Dom Ball this year, said Warburton.Again, this shows we can create that environment that is conducive to the players development and hopefully strengthen the relationship with Tottenham. Also See: Rangers video Rangers fixtures Rangers stats Sky Bet Club Get a ￡10 free bet! ' ' '