Schwartz: Postcard From Indianapolis, Day Four
By Peter Schwartz
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Bill Belichick and Rob Gronkowski have insisted all week that the Patriots tight end has been making progress every day as he recovers from a high ankle sprain.
I guess they were telling the truth…or maybe they're just playing games!
After not practicing on Wednesday, Gronkowski was listed as limited in practice on Thursday.
"He did some things. He didn't do everything," said Belichick to pool reporter Alex Marvez. "We'll see how he is (Friday)."
Was Belichick encouraged?
"It was good. It was fine. We'll see where he is (Friday) -- whether that set him back, whether it didn't and whether he's able to continue to progress on a daily basis. But 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."
During Thursday's media session, I caught up with Patriots LB Gary Guyton.
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As far as the Giants are concerned, Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) and Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee) were limited. Head coach Tom Coughlin told pool reporter Peter King that he couldn't remember Bradshaw practicing on consecutive days all season. Bradshaw did trip while going through the line on one play early in the practice.
"It looked like he tripped over the fullback's foot,'' said Coughlin. "But he's fine.''
Giants safety Antrel Rolle had some down time on Thursday evening and attended the EA Sports Madden Bowl at the Bud Light Hotel.
Rolle made his way down the blue carpet before the event and joined me for a couple of minutes…
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The Giants and Patriots will practice for the final time on Friday.
A MATERIAL HALFTIME SHOW
Madonna held a press conference to promote Sunday's Super Bowl Halftime Show. The Material Girl answered questions from the media for about a ½ hour. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer said that Sunday's show is part of her preparation for an upcoming tour.
When asked about the dancing ability of Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, she said she was impressed and promptly decided to salsa. It's been rumored that Nicki Minaj and M.I.A will join Madonna for the halftime show. Madonna would not say much about her set list other than that she will do four songs: three old ones and a new one.
Quick trivia question: Who performed during the Super Bowl XLII halftime show in 2008 when the Giants beat the Patriots?
The answer is at the end of the blog!
WHAT LIES AHEAD
On Friday, head coaches Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin will meet the media for the final time. They will hold separate press conferences and pose for photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Also, Commissioner Roger Goodell will hold his annual State of the NFL press conference. Among the expected topics of discussion : the potential for an 18 game season, the St. Louis Rams/London situation, next year's Super Bowl in New Orleans, the first cold weather Super Bowl in NY/NJ in 2014, and how the NFL did in year one of the new CBA.
HALFTIME SHOW TRIVIA ANSWER
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers!
That's all for now! Check back tomorrow for more!
Do you think Gronkowski will play on Sunday? Sound off below...
