In an expected move, the New England Patriots officially placed tight end Rob Gronkowski on the team’s physically unable to perform list to open training camp, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. New England was expected to do just that, as Gronkowski is recovering from forearm and back ailments.

Gronkowski injured his forearm several times toward the end of last season, and he had to undergo multiple surgeries over the offseason as a result. Just as his arm was healing, he also had a back ailment flare up that also required surgery.

At this point, Gronkowski is expected to rejoin the Patriots at some point during training camp. If he suffers a setback or isn’t otherwise able to join the team before the start of the season, he’ll have to miss at least six games. He can be activated from the list anytime before Aug. 31.

Gronkowski’s role with and importance to the Patriots has been increased that much more with the arrest of former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. In addition to Gronkowski, the Patriots also placed wide receiver Julian Edelman and tight end Jake Ballard on the PUP list. Defensive end Armond Armstead was sent to the non-football injury list by New England.