Only that he’s been back in Foxboro, working with trainers on rehab/stretching. I still think it’s overly optimistic to think he’ll be back before week six. And really, why rush it and risk having him get hurt again?
Ballard is the immediate replacement, and will likely be the primary “Y” tight end, which is the traditional tight end position. Hoomanawanui was the fill-in last year and Ballard is an upgrade on him in the blocking department. I’d expect Fells to get a bigger role with the loss of Hernandez, but the rookies Zack Sudfeld and Brandon Ford being intriguing players as well.
I think they’ll be okay to weather the storm until Gronk gets back, either against the Saints or Jets.