Sportsrageous

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski missed the team’s first Super Bowl practice on Thursday nursing a left ankle injury. Gronkowski injured the ankle in the third quarter of the AFC Championship Game.

Four years ago, Tom Brady skipped practice for a week before the Super Bowl with an injured right ankle. With over a week to the Super Bowl, there is no rush to get Gronkowski back.

USA Today reports that Gronkowski was not available for interviews when reporters had locker room access. The Patriots won’t report the full extent of the injury but he is expected to be on the field when they take on the New York Giants next Sunday.

Gronkowski had a breakout season. He set an NFL record for tight ends with 17 touchdowns. He finished fifth with 90 receptions and sixth with 1,327 yards receiving.

Aaron Hernandez is the other Patriots tight end who also had a strong season. Hernandez expects Gronkowski to be ready for the Super Bowl. If by some chance he can’t play Hernandez knows the pressure falls onto his shoulders.

Tom Brady will need to perform like the Tom Brady of old if he wants to carry the Patriots to another Super Bowl. Rob Gronkowski is one of the main reasons why the Patriots are in the game. Brady likes to target Gronkowski due to his massive size and catching ability.

According to NFL.com, Gronkowski’s father, Gordy fully expects his son to play. There is no cause for concern just yet with over a week to the big game.