Through the early portions of the NFL offseason workouts, New England Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski has been notably absent from the practice field. Much of this has been linked to his decision to rework the final two years of his six-year, $54 million contract.

During a recent appearance at a charity event on Sunday, Gronkowski confirmed that he will be present at mandatory minicamp that is set to begin this upcoming week, according to CBS Boston.

“We’ve got mandatory minicamp this week. So I’ll be there this week. I’ll be full go. I’m looking forward to it. Can’t wait to get back to work. I’m excited,” Gronkowski told reporters.

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There hasn't been any clarity regarding what Gronkowski is reworking with his current deal, but these comments do confirm that he will back in the fold with the team. It has been quite an interesting summer, to say the least for the 28-year-old as he had originally voiced that he was contemplating retirement after the Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. This had taken him a few months before he announced via social media that he would be making his return for the 2018 season.

However, this does show that there could be much more to it than him simply considering retirement as this is the first time that he has gone this route in his career. Along with that, there is the entire unlaying situation with quarterback Tom Brady not exactly being felt appreciated by the Patriots.

Nonetheless, the two are expected to be back on the practice field this upcoming week for the first time this offseason. It should set the course for the Patriots to make another potential deep run in the playoffs to make a trip to the Super Bowl for the third straight time and fourth in the last five years.