Gronkowski finally practices with Patriots
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates a touchdown with his patented "Gronk Spike." (Dec. 4, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS -- Rob Gronkowski finally returned to practice Thursday, a sign the Patriots' star tight end might indeed be on track to play Sunday.
Gronkowski, who's been nursing a high ankle sprain, participated on a limited basis, appearing in the second half of a nearly two-hour practice, according to a pool report. It was the first time Gronkowski has been able to get in some work with his teammates since getting injured in the AFC Championship Game win over the Ravens on Jan. 22.
"He did some things," Bill Belichick said. "He didn't do everything. We'll see how he is tomorrow. I think that will be the big key -- how he responds to this today."
When asked how encouraged he was by Gronkowski's practice, Belichick said: "It was good. It was fine. We'll see where he is tomorrow -- whether that set him back, whether it didn't and whether he's able to continue to progress on a daily basis.
"But it was a good test for him, too, at least. At least he was out here and did some things to see how it feels. We'll see how it goes."
Earlier in the day, Gronkowski said it's going to be his decision on whether he plays, given only he knows his pain threshold. "I know how much pain I can tolerate," he said. "I will make the final call. I listen to the trainer's advice, but it's how I feel. I'm just trying to get better. The trainer has helped me get to a place where I need to be."
Mayo shrugs at Canty
As expected, the Patriots had little reaction to some of the Giants' latest brash talk, this time with defensive tackle Chris Canty saying Wednesday that fans in New York should expect a Super Bowl-winning parade on Tuesday. Linebacker Jerod Mayo dismissed the rhetoric.
"That's not the way we do things," Mayo said. "We're focused on the game. We're not into predictions. It's good that he's confident. A good team will lose on Sunday. Hopefully it's not us."
