Rob Gronkowski confirmed during his first media appearance ahead of Super Bowl LII that he cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol. The tight end said hes’s a “full go” and “ready to roll” for Sunday against the Eagles.
He told a massive throng of reporters at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. that he’s no longer limited in any way now that he’s achieved full clearance.
“I was just going through the protocol, whatever the standards were, whatever they had me do throughout the weeks,” said Gronkowski “I’d say they were more on the cautious side of getting me out there right away, with the bye week and everything in-between. Which definitely helped out big-time. But I just did every step, day by day, and everything went smooth … ready to roll.”
He also confirmed that, like most reports, the team felt confident all along he would be cleared.
“We knew the whole time that I was gonna be good to go,” said Gronkowski. “i was progressing really good throughout the week and throughout practice week. So [Tom Brady] just knew that I’d be ready and we’ve been practicing like we always do.”
The Patriots’ Thursday injury report listed Gronkowski, Deatrich Wise (concussion), Malcolm Butler (illness), and Brandon King (knee) as full participants. So it appears that the team is getting to full strength just at the perfect time ahead of Super Bowl LII.
— 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.