Meanwhile, Gronkowski, who has been known to ham it up a bit, was at it again. When he arrived at the Patriots’ media session at the University Place Conference Center, it was with an exaggerated limp, before laughing.
When he exited the tent, he again did so with a dramatic limp.
Clearly, he has kept his sense of humor while dealing with an endless stream of questions about his health.
“Of course, there is definitely frustration,’’ Gronkowski said. “But I’m just worried about the things I can control. I’ve been getting healthier every day. I’m just listening to the coaches, doing the mental reps, and studying film on the Giants. You keep doing what you can to improve every day.’’
Trying to improve has included multiple rehab treatments per day. He called a pregame painkilling injection an option, and said he’ll try out special “devices’’ to get extra support for his ankle, including the possibility of a special shoe.
“I want to be out there. I’m anxious to be out there,’’ he said. “My goal is to be out there and do everything I can. I want to put myself in the best situation, so when it comes to Sunday, I will be in the best situation to play.’’
Gronkowski also said the final decision on whether he plays will be his, not the training staff’s.
“I know how much pain I can tolerate,’’ he said. “I will make the final call. I listen to the trainer’s advice, but it’s how I feel. I’m just trying to get better. The trainer has helped me to a place where I need to be.
“It’s the Super Bowl. I’m doing everything I possibly can to be out there. I want to be out there no matter what. I want to help out the team. I am doing everything possible to be out there. And we’ll just see on Sunday. I will try to go as much as possible.’’
Gronkowski was one of 11 players the Patriots listed as limited for practice, though none of the others were new to the list.
Heard it all before
