New England Patriots tight end Robert Gronkowsi has been medically cleared to play by team physicians. He will not be placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to begin the season as earlier expected.

Gronkowski is widely considered one of the best tight ends, if not the best, in all of football, and rightfully so. Since being drafted in 2010, Gronkowski has been Tom Brady's favorite target. His large 6-foot-6, 256 pound body combined with his athletic abilities make him a rare talent.

In 44 games started, Gronkowski has caught 42 touchdowns for the Patriots. His value can't be overstated as he averages nearly a touchdown a game and constantly draws double teams. The biggest issue with Gronkowski is health. He has failed to play even one completely healthy season in this league. In 2011, he played all 16 regular season games, but sprained his ankle in the AFC Championship game, leaving him hobbling and limping in the Super Bowl.

Gronkowski has had four surgeries on his left forearm alone. Last season in week 14, he suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and even a mild concussion after being hit by T.J. Ward.

Now having known that Gronkowski will most likely be ready to go for the season opener, the Patriots have to treat this year differently for him. Head Coach Bill Belichick and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels have to use Gronkowski more as a prototypical old school tight end as opposed to how he's been playing.

Even though Gronkowski has downfield abilities past 20 yards and he can open up the field of play, the risk just isn't worth the reward. Instead of trying to be like a Jimmy Graham or a Shannon Sharpe, he needs to be like a Tony Gonzalez. Of course, catching downfield passes has enormous benefits for the Patriots, but the injury factor increases as well. McDaniels needs to focus on using Gronkowski as a threat within 10 yards, especially on third downs to extend drives and move the chains.

Tony Gonzalez is a perfect example of how Gronkowski should play. Was he the most entertaining tight end? No. Did he have excellent downfield abilities? No, but he stayed healthy and experienced a Hall of Fame career. In 17 seasons, Gonzalez only missed two games. It would be a big transition, but still much safer and easier one for all parties involved.

The Patriots have brought in multiple young wide receivers lately to do the damage past 15 yards. Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins have both shown some promise after their first season. The team also signed Brandon LaFell and drafted Josh Boyce last season.

If the Patriots want Gronkowski to have a long lasting successful career, they need him to play more like a tight end and not like a wide receiver.

The Patriots open the regular season against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7 at Sun Life Stadium.

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