Thursday’s practice for New England Patriots marks Rob Gronkowski return – NFL News Update
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski finally returned to practice after having missed practice session for four times.
It was his first practice in Indianapolis and also the first since he sustained a left ankle injury in the game against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game on January 22.
Gronkowski was injured in the ending minute of the third quarter as he took in a 23-yard reception.
The injury at that time though did not show up much as the tight end was back in the field shortly after the incident having earlier left the field to get his ankle re-taped.
However, after the game he started missing practice session which became a source of concern for the Patriots.
Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick had been optimistic earlier on about his yesterday and after the practice session was satisfied that Gronkowski had made a return.
"He did some things. He didn't do everything. We'll see how it is tomorrow. I think that will be the big key, how he responds to this today." Belichick said.
This Friday’s practice saw eleven other Patriots players listed as limited in practice along with Gronkowski.
Those listed as limited in practice included safety, Patrick Chung, guard, Logan Mankins, linebacker Brandon Spikes and wide receiver Wes Welker who are all ailing from knee injuries.
However, the bright spot for the Patriots has been the return of Gronkowski. The Patriots will have much to gain through his presence in the Super Bowl game scheduled for coming Sunday against the New York Giants.
Belichick was encouraged by Gronkowski’s presence though he did not say for sure that he would play this Sunday.
“It was good. It was fine. We’ll see where he is tomorrow -- 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.”
Gronkowski is one of the leading players for the Patriots as he holds the National Football League (NFL) record for most number of touchdowns by a tight end.
His performance recently has been impressive as he went on to score three touchdowns while taking in 10 catches for 145 yards against the Denver Broncos, thus playing an important role in his team’s victory.
Gronkowski has had receiving this season for 1,327 yards and has scored 17 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Offensive tackle, Matt Light who was ill earlier on in the week returned to the field and practiced on a full basis this Thursday.
You can view live coverage and analysis of the Super Bowl XLVI by http://answers.bettor.com/Users/Robert-California-u3050 on Sunday,
11:00pm, GMT
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