Rob Gronkowski Update: He's Back

FOXBOROUGH, MA — For the first time since being blasted in the head in the second quarter of the AFC Championship Game against Jacksonville, Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski is back on the field.

Gronkowski was on the practice field Saturday as the team prepared to take on Philadelphia in Super Bowl LII. He had missed the previous practices this week with a head injury after suffering a concussion on Sunday afternoon.

With Gronkowski back on the practice field 8 days before the Super Bowl, all signs are pointing to him playing. That's key for the Patriots as Gronkowski remains Tom Brady's deadliest weapon, despite the team having won the Super Bowl without him last season.

While Gronkowski was always expected to play, it wasn't in his or the team's hands. An independent neurological consultant is among those who must clear a player in the NFL's concussion protocol.

The "Gronkowski Watch" wasn't the only reason to keep an eye on practice:

• Brady - who has been "limited" in practice, per the team injury report - is still wearing black tape over his right hand after suffering a cut last week.
• Defensive lineman Deatrich Wise also returned to practice after suffering a concussion Sunday.
• Defensive lineman Malcolm Brown, who has a foot injury, was the only player missing from practice.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)