Gronkowski's back issues caused him to
sit out an entire year of his college career. The break was troubling, but the back issue could cause him an early exit from the Pats forever. Working through injuries that can be taped or numbed is one thing. Potentially chronic and career ending issues, when the Pats are 4-1 and don't necessarily need him to win, is another story entirely. Back injuries are not like sprains, pulls or bruises. It is hard enough to stand up, let alone move with speed and force.
I could really care less about whether his 'camp' planned week 6 arbitrarily. My concern is solely if it helps him play out the season and future seasons. He makes the team better when healthy. If he is gimpy or 75% and apt to reinjure himself, then stay on the bench and heal.