BOSTON (CBS) – Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski’s ankle injury has prevented him from practicing thus far, but according to a report, that will not prevent him from playing in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
“Barring a setback in practice this week, Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will play in Super Bowl XLVI,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted on Thursday. “[He is] expected to be limited at practice today.”
READ MORE: Authorities Have Identified The Suspect Who Attacked Author Salman RushdieGronkowski spoke with reporters on Thursday morning, and he again faced a barrage of questions about his injured left ankle.
“It’s way better now than it was a week ago, so that’s all that matters,” Gronkowski said. “Taking positive strides, feeling way better. The pain’s obviously been down way more than it was a week ago. It gets better every day, and that’s all I can ask for.”
The 22-year-old also detailed what he has been doing while his teammates have been practicing.
READ MORE: Anne Heche's Son Mourns His Mother“I spent extra time doing mental reps, learning the plays, making sure I’m ready, making sure I know my routes and my assignments in the blocking game,” Gronkowski said. “[I’m preparing] mentally, so when it does come down physically, I’m not thinking about what I gotta do.”
Gronkowski also wouldn’t rule out the possibility of being pain-free come Sunday night.
“Hopefully, man. You never know. When it comes down to game time, with the adrenaline rush and everything, I might be feeling like, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to feel it, because you’re just so hyped up and so motivated,” Gronkowski said. “But that’s the thing. I don’t know yet, because you gotta wait till the game. But that’s why we’re just taking it day by day.”
MORE NEWS: Florida Students Return To Schools Reshaped By Gov. Ron DeSantis' Anti-'Woke' Education AgendaJust to have some fun with reporters, Gronkowsi walked in to the media session with an over-exaggerated limp.