AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

Dolphins first-round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick was asked about the Boston Globe report that owner Stephen Ross “stepped in and implored his team to trade back” before they took him at No. 11 overall.

“I heard about it,” Fitzpatrick said, via the Miami Herald. “He’s a businessman so he’s going to look at the business side of anything. It’s extra motivation to prove I’m the worth the pick, that I belong here.”

• Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill said Tuesday that his running ability “is still going to be a weapon for me” and he believes there has been no diminishment in mobility or escapability following knee surgery. (Barry Jackson)
• Dolphins CB Tony Lippett (Achilles) said that he’s “definitely on track to be the same player I’ve always been.” Lippett added that his return from Achilles’ tear has been a “tough grind,” but he’s “pretty close” to returning. (Armando Salguero)

Jets

• Jets WR Terrelle Pryor, who has yet to practice this offseason due to an ankle injury, was seen on the sideline Tuesday in a walking boot. (Rich Cimini)
• Jets CB Morris Claiborne was seen on the sideline during Tuesday’s practice with a cast on his left wrist. (Connor Hughes)
• Regarding Claiborne’s injury, Jets HC Todd Bowles said that he has a bruised hand that prompted him to be in a soft cast, but he should be ready for training camp. (Manish Mehta)
• Bowles also acknowledged that Pryor had a cleanup procedure, but he was noncommittal about whether he’ll be ready for the start of training camp. (Manish Mehta)
• Manish Mehta reports that Jets OLB Jordan Jenkins dealing with a shoulder issue that could jeopardize availability for the start of training camp.

Patriots

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski was asked if he’s looking to get an agreement in place on a restructured contract this offseason, to which he replied: “Who wouldn’t?”

Gronkowski confirmed that he and his agent are trying to get something done with the Patriots.

“I don’t know. We’re trying to,” Gronkowski said, via NFL.com.

As for the talk of him possibly retiring this offseason, Gronkowski explained that he wanted to see where his mind and body were at before committing to being back for the 2018 season.

“I was just seeing where I was at after a long season. [Retirement] was definitely on the mind, but I had to do what I had to do,” Gronkowski said. “I felt good enough to get my body prepared and get my body right again. I had to see where my body was at and where my mind was at. But now I’m out here and I feel good, I feel like I definitely made the right decision coming back out.”