Gronk Would Not Have Practiced Today

All of Patriot Nation gasped when tight end Rob Gronkowski injured his ankle in the AFC Championship game this past Sunday. Gronk left the field to chants of, “Gronk! Gronk!” as he entered the locker room. He would return to the field soon thereafter with his ankle taped up and a ton of cheers, and would finish the game. After the game, he was seen on the field in a removable walking boot.

The Patriots released their first injury report leading up to the Super Bowl, giving players practice participation designations even though the team didn’t actually practice. Had the Patriots practiced, Gronk would not have participated. However, speaking with ESPN Boston earlier today, Dr. Michael Kaplan said that with two weeks of rest and rehabilitation, Gronk should be able to play in Super Bowl XLVI with few limitations.

That Gronk should be in the lineup in Super Bowl XLVI is good news for the Patriots. Gronk had 90 receptions for 1,327 yards (NFL TE record) and 17 touchdowns (NFL TE record) during the regular season and is one of Tom Brady’s best weapons. They’ll need him both as a pass catcher and a blocker against the tough New York Giants defense.

Here’s the rest of the Patriots’ injury report:

As for the Giants, Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), and Tyler Sash (concussion) were designated as not participating in practice (they didn’t practice either). Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee) was designated as having limited participation in practice.

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