Rob Gronkowski should be good to go by February 4.
While Rob Gronkowski remains in concussion protocol, the New England Patriots will continue to worry ahead of Super Bowl 52.
Gronkowski was back on the practice field on Saturday for the first time after he was concussed by a helmet-to-helmet hit from Barry Church during the AFC Championship game.
But Gronkowski’s game status remains listed as “out” according to the Patriots’ most up-to-date injury report. The tight end didn’t practice at all on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday last week. But the Boston Herald reported on Tuesday that although Gronkowski missed Super Bowl Opening Night due to still being in concussion protocol, he has looked energetic enough in practice to suggest he will be fine come February 4. “Gronkowski going bazooka during the Patriots’ pair of weekend practices showcases his likely readiness,” Jeff Howe wrote.
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The Patriots’ defensive lineman Deatrich Wise also suffered a concussion during the AFC Championship game. But Wise practiced on Sunday, according to Yahoo Sports, as did defensive tackle Malcolm Brown, who has overcome a foot injury.
CBS lists Eagles running back Jay Ajayi as a starter for Sunday’s game. Ajayi, who rushed for 73 yards on 18 carries in the NFC Championship blowout of the Minnesota Vikings, was limited in practice last Thursday and Friday but it looks as if he will be healthy to suit up on Sunday. The Eagles’ latest injury report lists inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe with a hamstring injury. But Ellerbe practiced fully on Thursday and Friday and will play, barring another injury or a relapse, in the Super Bowl.
Tom Brady, of course, was the main topic of conversation going into the AFC Championship game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. But NFL.com reported Sunday that Brady had the stitches in his hand removed. He should be healthier than he was against the Jaguars.
Aside from the obvious, season-ending injuries like Carson Wentz and Darren Sproles, it seems like both teams are getting healthier as the game approaches.
