Gronk cleared, ready to roll in Super Bowl
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been cleared from the concussion protocol and will be ready to face the Eagles on Sunday in the Super Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Gronkowski suffered a concussion in the second quarter of the Patriots’ 2420 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC title game last month. He was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice.
On Thursday he was a full participant.
“We got the word today that I was cleared and it was nice to hear from the doctors,” Gronkowski said to a large press gathering. “We went through the whole process, and we are ready to roll.”
He said he knew all the time that he would return.
“They were more on the cautious side rather than putting me out there right away with the bye week in between, which helped bigtime,” Gronkowski said.
When asked what he was able to do at practice, he replied, “Everything. I was cleared, I was able to do everything I was scheduled to do out on the field so I will be ready to roll in the game, will be full-go, ready to roll.”
According to the pool report, quarterback Tom Brady against practiced with only black KT Tape and no glove on his right hand, which was injured before the AFC title game.
RODGERS WANTS TO FOLLOW BRADY »
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he wants to play into his 40s like Tom Brady, but he might have to leave Green Bay to do that. The 34-yearold acknowledged that he may have to play for another team like Brett Favre did at the end of his Hall-of-Fame career.
Rodgers told The Associated Press: “I think you have to be humble enough to realize if it could happen to Brett, it can happen to you.”
STEELERS’ SHAZIER GOES HOME »
Injured Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier is going home.
Shazier was released fromthe hospital on Thursday, nearly two months after suffering a spinal injury in a victory over Cincinnati. The Pro Bowler underwent spine stabilization on Dec. 6 and while he was able to travel a bit, including visiting team practices and making appearances at Heinz Field for games, he returned to the hospital each evening.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says Shazier will transition to an outpatient therapy program.
The 25-year- old Shazier posted a picture on Instagram of him standing alongside Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger shortly after his discharge was announced. Shazier has his left arm draped over Roethlisberger’s shoulders and his right hand on something for support. Shazier thanked everyone from family to teammates to doctors to fans for their support and said he will “continue to work hard and push and find a way back.”
Shazier has not disclosed the exact nature of his injury. NFLPA SAYS IT’S READY FOR WAR » DeMaurice Smith dismissed with one word a question about his union’s labor deal with the NFL being extended. Then he attacked.
The executive director of the NFL Players Association quickly said “no” when asked about the current 10year collective bargaining agreement getting extended beyond the 2020 season. Then Smith, re- elected last year, went on the offensive about the next CBA.
“We prepare for war,” he said. “If we are able to get a collective bargaining agreement done, great. All of these men went through a unilateral warde clared on players in 2010-11.”
DARNOLD TALKS DRAFT »
Sam Darnold said it would be “an honor” to be drafted by the Giants. The former USC quarterback, who is entering the draft, was getting his first taste of pro football’s hype machine on Radio Row at the Super Bowl.
“It’s been awesome just to be here with all these great players, and the fans have been amazing,” he said.
He’s training for the combine that begins later this month. Then the draft is in late April.
“I’m just excited to get as good as I can, be the best player I can over these next couple of months,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens, but I know that I’m going to improve as a quarterback.”