Super Bowl LII: Rob Gronkowski a limited participant in Patriots’ practice

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was a limited participant in practice Wednesday because he’s still in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Gronkowski was injured in the AFC Championship Game when he took a shot to the chin from Jaguars safety Barry Church.

According to the pool report, Gronkowski was wearing a red jersey during practice, meaning he’s not eligible for contact yet. Bill Belichick said Gronkowski is “working his way back” from his health issue.

Gronkowski said during a personal appearance Wednesday night that he expects to play in Sunday’s Super Bowl LII.

“We’ll see how it goes and what the doctors say,” Gronkowski said, according to Associated Press. “I’m not the guy to say I’m out of the protocol. That is the doctor’s call.”

The Patriots are such a dangerous team with Gronkowski on the field. He caught 69 passes for a team-leading 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns.

“He’s a combination of size and skill,” Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said. “And for him to be that big (6-6, 265 pounds) against a bunch of shorter guys, he goes vertical a lot. There’s a reason why he’s one of the top tight ends.”

Gronkowski wasn’t the only key Patriot on the injury report. Cornerback Malcolm Butler (illness) was listed as limited. Butler said he was feeling much better and expects to play Sunday. Also, Eagles starting defensive tackle Tim Jernigan missed Wednesday’s practice with an illness.