If Super Bowl LII is played on Sunday, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will not be able to play due to a concussion that he suffered in their 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game. Based on the injury report released by the Patriots, Gronkowski did not participate in Friday’s practice due to concussion and will be ruled out if the Super Bowl is played Sunday. Luckily for the Patriots, Super Bowl LII is scheduled for February 4 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Aside from Gronkowski, defensive lineman Deatrich Wise will join the All-Pro tight end on the sidelines with a concussion if the game is played this Sunday.
According to Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com, Gronkowski was not spotted by the media during the Patriots’ Friday walkthrough at Empower Field House.
Gronkowski has yet to practice this week, but he is expected to play in Super Bowl LII. Based on information from sources, Kirk Minihane of the Kirk & Callahan show said Gronkowski will suit up against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 4. According to Minihane, Gronkowski is working out in the Patriots facility despite missing the team’s last two practices, but he needs to pass the league-mandated concussion protocol before he can play. Gronkowski tallied 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns in the regular season en route to a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Gronkowski’s close friend, WWE star Mojo Rawley, also said Gronkowski will return just in time for the Super Bowl.
Patriots list 3 players as questionable
Based on Friday’s injury report, the Patriots listed defensive lineman Malcom Brown, running back Mike Gillislee, and offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle as questionable. Brown is dealing with a foot injury, while Gillislee and Waddle are bothered by knee issues that limited them in past practices.
For the Eagles, defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan did not participate in practice due to illness, while running back Jay Ajayi was limited due to an ankle issue. Running back Kenjon Barner and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe were full participants in Friday’s practice after missing Thursday’s session with illness and hamstring injury, respectively.
Quarterback Tom Brady and safety Devin McCourty were full participants in Friday’s practice so they were removed from the injury report. Brady suffered a cut in his hand in last week’s practice, but he still led the Patriots past the Jaguars.
Rusher Rex Burkhead feeling good
Running back Rex Burkhead played just three offensive snaps in their win over the Jaguars after missing the final two games of the regular season and the AFC divisional round. However, Burkhead denied that he’s hurt, saying he’s feeling good and just did what the coaches wanted him to do against the Jaguars. Burkhead said his decision to sign a one-year deal with the Patriots was the right one since he fulfilled his dream of playing in the Super Bowl.
