Super Bowl 2012: Rob Gronkowski Expected To Play But May Not Be 100 Percent

Read More: Rob Gronkowski (TE - NEP), New England Patriots, New York Giants

There's two weeks between the AFC and NFC Conference Championship games and the Super Bowl which means we have an extra week to dissect every minor story line and blow it up into something bigger. One of those stories in Super Bowl XLVI will be Rob Gronkowski and his injured ankle.

The New England Patriots tight end exited last Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens with said ankle injury but later returned. Boston Herald reporter Ian Rapoport, who previously reported Gronkowski is expected to play in the Super Bowl on Feb. 5, indicated that Gronkowski may not be 100 percent because of some ligament damage.

Again, he's expected to play. That hasn't changed. He just may not be completely healthy. Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn't offer up much of an update when asked about Gronkowski earlier on Tuesday. The Patriots will start practicing this week and then they'll make the trip to Indy for practice next week.

For the latest Super Bowl updates, be sure to follow this StoryStream. Also be sure to check out Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View.