Patriots Super Bowl LII news: Rob Gronkowski cleared for big game
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was cleared from concussion protocol on Thursday and will be ready to go for Super Bowl LII.
One of the big questions heading into Super Bowl LII was the availability of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.
That question was answered Thursday as the All-Pro playmaker has been cleared from concussion protocol. All of Patriots nation can breathe a sigh of relief has Tom Brady’s most dangerous and reliable weapon will be on the field against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Gronkowski, who entered into the concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head in the AFC Championship Game, was confident that he would play. He told ESPN’s Josina Anderson just this past Tuesday that “yes” he would play in the game, but did leave the final call up to the doctors.
"“Hopefully by tomorrow,” Gronk said on Tuesday. “We’ll see how it goes and what the doctors say. I’m not the guy to say I’m out of the protocol. That is the doctor’s call.”"
Well, the doctor did make the call and Brady will have his big target available against a tough Eagles’ defense.
The importance of Rob Gronkowski
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More than what he provides on the field, the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback spoke about how important Rob Gronkowski is as a teammate.
"“Gronk has just a great personality,” Brady said Tuesday, via the Providence Journal. “He just has great charisma. He’s such a positive person. He has a great attitude. We love having him out there. He’s a big part of our offense. He’s such a great player, great teammate, great leader. So tough. Very disciplined. Just a very special athlete. I just love being his teammate, I hope he’s out there for us playing the best he can on Sunday.”"
With Gronkowski on the field, the New England Patriots offense is obviously more dangerous than without him. We all know what he can do catching the ball, but his main importance on Sunday may be pass blocking against a very good Eagles defensive front. But, if Brady needs to rely on him in the passing game, we’ve all seen how Gronkowski can take over a game.
Back in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rob Gronkowski almost single handedly led the Patriots to the go-ahead touchdown in the game. On the final drive of the game, he accounted for 69 of his 168 passing yards.
Next: New England Patriots: 5 things we love about Rob Gronkowski
A similar performance may be needed against the Philadelphia Eagles.