While the Patriots have been predictably mum about TE Rob Gronkowski's ankle injury, his father has not. Gordy Gronkowski told WIVB-TV that his son has a high ankle sprain, but added that he expects his son will be ready to play in Super Bowl XLVI against the Giants.

Gronkowski did not practice Wednesday and Thursday, and according to ESPN Boston, was not on the field for the beginning of Friday's full-padded practice. Gronkowski was injured in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Ravens, on a hit by Baltimore S Bernard Pollard. He was spotted by reporters with a walking boot on his injured left leg after the game.

Gronkowski finished second on the team with 1,327 receiving yards in 2011. He also found the endzone 18 times, including 17 touchdown receptions, both of which set NFL records for a tight end.