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Sports

Develin uses versatility to fill in at tight end for Pats as Gronkowski, Hoomanawanui recover

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    New England Patriots tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, left, grapples with tight end Justin Jones, right, during a field exercise in an NFL football training camp practice at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, July 27, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (The Associated Press)

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    New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, center, warms up on the field with teammates during an NFL football training camp practice at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, July 27, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (The Associated Press)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots are short-handed at tight end so James Develin is getting another chance to show the versatility that has earned praise from coach Bill Belichick.

Rob Gronkowski isn't ready for full-time practice as he continues his recovery from knee surgery. Michael Hoomanawanui has been sidelined the past two practices with an undisclosed injury.

So Develin is getting more practice time at tight end while continuing to run plays from his usual fullback position.

Belichick says Develin is a bit like a relief pitcher. He says Develin has a role, but sometimes you don't know when that role is going to occur. Develin is coming off his first full NFL season and was primarily a blocker.

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