Patriots’ Gronkowski cleared to play after concussion

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been cleared from the concussion protocol and will play in Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Gronkowski participated fully in practice on Thursday. Defensive lineman Deatrich Wise also practiced after being cleared from the concussion protocol. Malcolm Butler (illness) and Brandon King (knee) also participated in the workout.

Gronk said he is “ready to roll” and has no limitations. He had been sidelined since taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jacksonville’s Barry Church in the first half of the AFC championship.

“We knew the whole time I was gonna be good to go,” he said. “I was progressing really good throughout the week. We just knew I’d be ready and we’ve been practicing like we always do.”

Gronkowski led the team in receiving during the regular season with 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns. His return gives quarterback Tom Brady another key option against a Philadelphia unit that finished the regular season ranked fourth in the NFL in defense.

“He’s a dynamic player. He means a ton to our offense. He really has since he got to our team. It’s always great when he’s out there,” Brady said.

In addition to Gronk’s return to practice, the Patriots also got a visit from former defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, who won Super Bowls with New England during the 2004 and 2014 seasons.

Gronkowski said it was always nice to have “a great teammate” such as Wilfork, a former Texan, around, but declined to say what words of motivation he offered the team.

“What he said was definitely inspiring — to just cherish the moment,” Gronkowski said. “But other than that, it was good for our team. And I’ll just keep it at that.”

Jernigan misses second practice

Eagles starting defensive tackle Tim Jernigan missed his second straight practice Thursday because of an illness.

Coach Doug Pederson said he expects Jernigan to play, even if he doesn’t practice the rest of the week.

“Because of the position and he’s one of our veteran guys, I do feel comfortable that he’ll be ready,” Pederson said in a pool report.

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (calf ), starting cornerback Ronald Darby (illness) and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (hamstring) all practiced.

Pederson’s former coach in Green Bay, Mike Holmgren, watched practice.