Patriots’ tight end Gronkowski makes progress
INDIANAPOLIS – Another practice, another day of progress for Rob Gronkowski.
The All-Pro tight end was listed as questionable for the New England Patriots for the Super Bowl against the New York Giants on Sunday after moving without a limp on Friday as the Patriots walked through their offensive plays.
Gronkowski practiced on a limited basis Thursday after being hurt 11 days earlier in the Patriots’ 23-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game.
During the hour-long session Friday, players ran no faster than at a trot. Coach Bill Belichick said earlier Friday that Gronkowski had no setbacks after Thursday’s practice, his first for the Super Bowl.
“He practiced yesterday. He didn’t do anything today,” Belichick said. “We’ll see where he’s at on Sunday, but hopefully (he’ll play). I saw no setbacks. He’s still making progress.”
Belichick said Gronkowski has been getting treatment “morning, noon and night” and has improved every day.
The Patriots have no practice plans for today when a team photograph will be taken.
Goodell announces Thursday expansion
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that there will be a dramatic increase in the number of Thursday night NFL games televised by the NFL Network starting next season.
There will be Thursday night games from the second through the 15th week of the season, which gives all 32 of the league’s teams a chance to play in at least one prime-time game, including the Sunday night and Monday night games.
Goodell revealed the change in his annual state-of-the-league address at Indianapolis.