Rob Gronkowski Injury: Patriots TE Won't Practice On Thursday

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

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will sit out practice Thursday with an ankle injury suffered last Sunday during the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. While it is still too early for Pats fans to panic just yet, Gronkowksi's health status will be continue to be closely monitored in the coming days before the Pats' matchup against the New York Giants in the 2012 Super Bowl.

Immediately following the AFC Championship game, word was that Gronkowski was expected to play in the Super Bowl. Since then, nothing has been reported to the contrary. Of course, if Gronkowski did sit, the Patriots have a more than capable replacement in Aaron Hernandez. The offense would lose a lot of its versatility, however. Both players are often on the field at the same time, with Gronkowski lined up at tight end and Hernandez in an H-back position.

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