Patriots Didn't Practice, But If They Did...
FOXBORO (CBS) - The New England Patriots DID NOT hit the practice field on Wednesday, but if they did, they would have been without one of their key players on offense.
Or so the team says.
The Patriots released a "projected" Practice Participation and Injury Report on Wednesday, for a practice that did not actually happen. But if it did, tight end Rob Gronkowski would have (or did have?) a DNP next to his name.
Gronk would have missed the practice with a sore ankle he suffered in the Patriots 23-20 win over the Ravens in the AFC Championship. Gronkowski turned his right ankle during the third quarter, and had to be re-taped, but was able to return to the game in the fourth quarter.
Listen: Gronkowski 'Yo Soy Fiesta!'
Gronkowski was seen in a walking boot after the game, but sources told WBZ-TV's Dan Roche the Pro Bowl tight end would be "fine" for Super Bowl XLVI against the Giants.
It helps that Gronkowski has two weeks to recover, and fake practices to sit out.
12 other Patriots would have been "limited" had the Patriots practiced on Wednesday, including wide receivers Deion Branch (knee) and Wes Welker (knee), linebackers Dane Fletcher (thumb), Rob Ninkovich (hip) and Brandon Spikes (knee), and safety Patrick Chung (knee).
The NFL requires teams to put out a projected practice report the week before the Super Bowl.
The Patriots will begin practicing for Super Bowl XLVI on Thursday, with the team leaving for Indianapolis on Sunday.
Tune in to Super Bowl XLVI on 98.5 The Sports Hub on February 5, the only place you can hear the local call of the game!
