Rob Gronkowski once again did not participate in the Patriots’ practice on Friday, sitting out the team walkthrough. If Super Bowl LII took place on Sunday, Gronkowski would have been inactive.
New England is still optimistic that the tight end will return to the Patriots lineup against the Eagles in Minneapolis, according to the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe. Also absent from the Patriots’ Friday walkthrough were defensive linemen Deatrich Wise (concussion) and Malcom Brown (foot).
Instead of practicing outside the Patriots conducted their walkthrough on Friday afternoon indoors at Empower Field House by Gillette Stadium. ESPN’s Mike Reiss spotted Tom Brady and Brandin Cooks heading to the walkthrough in mid-conversation:
The Tom Brady/Brandin Cooks connection is in focus as they arrive at Friday’s walkthrough together. pic.twitter.com/0n7olimVz6
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 26, 2018
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Both Gronkowski and Wise are listed as “Out” for Friday on the Pats’ official injury report, but that’s no surprise. They still have a full week to get ready for the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Tom Brady (right hand) and Devin McCourty (shoulder) both participated in full and the Patriots left them off the Friday list. Here’s the full injury report:
OUT
TE Rob Gronkowski (Concussion)
DL Deatrich Wise (Concussion)
QUESTIONABLE
DL Malcom Brown (Foot)
RB Mike Gillislee (Knee)
T LaAdrian Waddle (Knee)
Rob Gronkowski walks off the field after an injury during the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
If Gronk doesn’t quickly return to the field in the second week of preparation, questions about his availability for the Super Bowl will only rise. But the optimism surrounding his status has remained consistent throughout the week.
The Patriots are scheduled to practice again on Saturday at Gillette Stadium. Tom Brady is expected to speak to the media around 3:15.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.