NFL Player News

Monday, May 20

• 05/20/13 - 8:35AM ETTom Brady : Feels Good About Mechanics

  Brady feels good about his mechanics after working with former major league pitcher Tom House this offseason, NESN.com reports. "Going into my 14th year, I have never had more confidence in how I am throwing the football," Brady noted. "I've never felt better throwing the football."

  Despite all of his success, Brady is known as a hard worker, who is always trying to stay sharp and improve his craft. Prior to working with House, he was tutored for years by the late Tom Martinez. With no known injury concerns as the 2013 season approaches, and obvious confidence in his mechanics, Brady's biggest challenge in the coming months will be adjusting to a re-tooled wideout corps that now features Danny Amendola, who essentially replaced slot machine Wes Welker, as well as the likes of rookies Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce, who are looking to make an impact on the outside. Meanwhile, veterans Julian Edelman, Donald Jones, Michael Jenkins and Lavelle Hawkins will also jostle for positioning on the team's WR depth chart.

Sunday, May 19

• 05/19/13 - 10:16AM ETRob Gronkowski : Procedure On Tap Monday

  Gronkowski is slated to undergo a fourth procedure on his left forearm Monday, the Boston Herald reports.

  Gronkowski, who also may need back surgery this offseason, must first have his arm issue addressed, with Monday's procedure slated to determine whether or not the infection in his arm has completely cleared up. If so, the next step would entail replacing the plate currently in his forearm with a new one. Once that happens, the tight end is looking at a 10-11 week recovery period. In any case, things will need to proceed smoothly (with both his arm and back) going forward in order for Gronkowski to be ready to go come Week 1, with his prognosis on that front hopefully on tap to become a little clearer in the coming days.

Friday, May 17

• 05/17/13 - 1:23PM ETBruce Irvin : Suspended Four Games

  Irvin has been suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy, the Everett Herald reports.

  Irvin admitted he took a banned substance without medical exemption and will not appeal the suspension. The Seahawks will miss his pass-rushing for the first month of the season, as Irvin recorded eight sacks in 2012, setting a franchise rookie record.

• 05/17/13 - 12:38PM ETRob Gronkowski : Could Require Back Surgery

  Gronkowski underwent an MRI on his back and may require surgery to correct a disc issue.

  Gronkowski is already dealing with complications from arm surgery, and he is undergoing a fourth surgery on his arm next week. Gronkowski is scheduled to meet with a spine specialist following the procedure to determine whether or not surgery will be required on his back. In 2009, he underwent surgery to "shave down" a disc in his back, but the present issue is not believed to be related.