Belichick: Patriots' Rob Gronkowski 'OK' After First Practice
INDIANAPOLIS (WFAN/AP) — Rob Gronkowski practiced with the New England Patriots for the Super Bowl for the first time Thursday.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Friday morning that there were no setbacks and Gronkowski "was OK this morning."
"Rob has worked extremely hard," said Belichick. "He's been in treatment morning, noon and night. Hopefully he continue to progress. He's coming along, and he's moving in the right direction."
Gronkowski participated on a limited basis and said it will be up to him to decide whether his high left ankle sprain will allow him to play Sunday against the Giants.
"I will make the final call," Gronkowski said Thursday. "I listen to the trainer's advice, but it's how I feel. I'm just trying to get better. The trainer has helped me get to a place where I need to be."
He also said there are "a couple of options to explore" about how the ankle will be protected.
"I'm not even sure I'm going to wear anything (special)," Gronkowski said. "I'm taping it and testing things out every day to see how I feel."
He was injured Jan. 22 in the third quarter of the 23-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game.
Gronkowski, who set an NFL single-season record for tight ends with 17 touchdown catches, took part during the second half of Thursday's nearly two-hour practice.
"It was fine," Belichick said after practice Thursday. "It was a good test for him, too, at least. At least he was out here and did some things to see how it feels. We'll see how it goes."
Gronkowski wore a protective boot for a week before discarding it Monday. Teammates have expressed confidence that he will play against the Giants.
"I know he's going to be ready," tight end Aaron Hernandez said. "It's not like he broke anything or he can't walk on it. He got a little sprain and he's fine."
Ten other players participated in practice on a limited basis. The Patriots will taper off their activity at Friday's session.
The Patriots plan to hold a walk through on Saturday.
If he plays Sunday, how effective do you expect Gronk to be against Big Blue? Sound off below...
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