An ESPN football analyst has picked the New England Patriots to win their sixth Super Bowl trophy over the underdog Philadelphia Eagles. During an interview with Kirk & Callahan, ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck said he is confident that the Patriots will emerge victorious over the Eagles despite the uncertainty of tight end Rob Gronkowski, who is still in concussion protocol after absorbing a hit to the head in the AFC Championship Game against the Jaguars. However, sources told Kirk Minihane of WEEI.com that Gronkowski will "absolutely be ready to go" in Super Bowl LII on February 4.

Gronkowski joined the Patriots’ last two practices after missing the first two sessions.

According to Hasselback, the Eagles may put two-time Pro Bowl safety Malcolm Jenkins against Gronkowski. “Malcolm Jenkins is an interesting match-up for Gronkowski with his experience playing corner and his size,” said Hasselback, who expects wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Chris Hogan to step up if Gronkowski gets covered by the Eagles. For the Eagles, Hasselback said quarterback Nick Foles will be the center of their offense. “There's stuff that's had to come out of that offense with him being there,” said Hasselback, adding that the Eagles can also run the football in case Foles’ passing game falters.

Patriots arrive in Minnesota

After a three-hour flight from New England, the Patriots arrived in Minnesota to officially start their Super Bowl week. Before their flight, the Patriots held a send-off rally in Foxborough, where quarterback Tom Brady, head coach Bill Belichick, team president Jonathan Kraft and other players Danny Amendola, Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon and Gronkowski addressed the large crowd at NRG Plaza.

McCourty thanked the fans for their support during the AFC championship game while Harmon started an “MVP” chant for Brady. “Thank you guys for your support all year,” Brady told the crowd "Its been an incredible journey. We have one more to go. It’s going to be fun.” The veteran quarterback ended his speech with “We love you.

Patriots out.” Brady then performed the classic mic drop while yelling “Let's go!"

Gronkowski won't attend media session

It looks like Gronkowski will not attend the Super Bowl media session on Monday at Xcel Center. The NFL did not provide Gronkowski a podium for Monday's media session as he is still in concussion protocol. Players in the protocol are not permitted to talk to the media. The NFL provided podiums for Harmon, Brandin Cooks, Stephon Gilmore, Belichick, David Andrews, Brady, Matthew Slater, McCourty, Malcolm Butler, Amendola and James White.
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