Friday practice report

February 03, 2012|Mike Whitmer, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Patriots had a one-hour walkthrough today at Colts headquarters as Super Bowl XLVI nears, with everybody participating and coach Bill Belichick telling the pool reporter, "I think we're ready to go."

According to reporter Alex Marvez, the Patriots concluded their preparations with the light workout, Belichick comparing it to a typical day-before-game routine. Since they arrived in Indianapolis on Sunday (one day before the Giants), the Patriots practiced on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, as well as last week in Foxborough.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski was on the field in sweats, sneakers, and a t-shirt, taking part in nothing more than light jogging. He returned to practice yesterday for the first time since injuring his ankle in the AFC Championship.

"We’ll see where he’s at on Sunday, but hopefully [he’ll play]," Belichick said. "I saw no setbacks. He’s still making progress.”

According to the team’s injury report, Gronkowski and 10 others were limited in their participation yesterday and are listed as questionable. The group includes offensive linemen Marcus Cannon (ankle), Logan Mankins (knee), and Sebastian Vollmer (foot/back/flu); linebackers Dane Fletcher (thumb), Rob Ninkovich (hip), Tracy White (abdomen), and Brandon Spikes (knee); receiver Wes Welker (knee); defensive lineman Kyle Love (ankle); and safety Patrick Chung (knee).

Receivers Deion Branch (knee) and Matthew Slater (shoulder), safety James Ihedigbo (shoulder), and offensive linemen Dan Connolly (groin) and Matt Light (flu) are probable.