New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was listed with a concussion on the team’s initial injury report ahead of Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the Patriots did not have an on-field practice on Wednesday, the team did release the report, as indicated by head coach Bill Belichick earlier in the day. Had the Patriots taken the field, Gronkowski would not have practiced.
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This marks the first time the Patriots have acknowledged that Gronkowski suffered a concussion. He suffered the injury after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from safety Barry Church late in the second quarter of the Patriots’ 24-20 AFC Championship Game victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Gronkowski was immediately taken for medical attention after being visibly wobbly as he got to his feet. He did not return to action.
While he has yet to be available for comment since his injury, teammate Matthew Slater described Gronkowski as being in “pretty good spirits” when they talked. Unofficial reports have stated that the team is “optimistic” that Gronkowski will be able to play in Super Bowl LII.
Et Tu, Deatrich?
In addition to Gronkowski, defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. was also listed on the report with a concussion. While Gronkowski’s injury was pretty well known, Wise Jr.’s comes as a bit of a surprise. Information regarding Wise’s condition was not readily available at the time of the report.
Defensive lineman Malcolm Brown (foot), running back Mike Gillislee (knee) and right tackle LaAdrian Waddle (knee) were all listed on the report, as well.
The Patriots and Eagles will meet in Super Bowl LII on Februray 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
–Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and National Columnist for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. He covers the New England Patriots and the AFC East. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC
