The stage is set for an epic Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants on Sun. Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. Despite already being dubbed the favorites with a -3 point spread, the Patriots have one of their best players banged up after suffering an ankle injury in the win over the Baltimore Ravens last weekend.

On Thursday, New England had their first practice in preparation for the showdown with New York in the Super Bowl, but was without Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski. With Gronkowski being arguably Tom Brady’s new favorite target in the potent offense, the Patriots depend on their up-and-coming tight end to get in the endzone at least once or twice on a weekly basis.

Fortunately, the ankle injury doesn’t appear to be serious as Gronkowski has been seen walking around in a boot on his left foot and will most likely be good to go when the Patriots take the field against the Giants. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had this to say about his tight end via ESPN:

“I’m not going to try to forecast what it will be 10 days from now,” coach Bill Belichick said. “We’ll just take it day by day.”

There is no question that Rob Gronkowski will probably not be 100% come game day, but even being a bit banged up the up-and-comer will still make an impact on the game. In the regular season, Gronkowski put up some record numbers with 90 catches, 1,327 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.

If for some reason there is a setback in the next week and half for Rob Gronkowski and the Pro Bowl tight end can’t play against the New York Giants, the New England Patriots could be in trouble offensively considering they are going up against a very good defense.

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