New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski still not cleared to play Super Bowl 52

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots could be missing a big weapon

New England Patriots All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski is still in the concussion protocol with Super Bowl 52 just four days. Gronkowski left the AFC Championship game after Jaguars safety Barry Church laid a helmet to helmet hit that sent Gronkowski out of the game.

NFL Network’s Kimbery Jones says Gronkowski will not officially speak to the media Wednesday night, although he was seen earlier in the week taking questions. He was also listed as limited in practice on Wednesday as the Patriots prepared to face a tough Eagles defense.

If the Patriots do not have Gronkowski, who feels confident he’ll be able to play, the Philadelphia Eagles could have a strong advantage going into Minniapolis.

Philadelphia’s defense has allowed 45.2 yards per game to opposing tight ends, just the 17th most in the league. Gronkowski would prove to be a powerful matchup to the Eagles, who could devote two players to covering the 6’6 pass catcher, who averaged 77.4 yards per game this year.

Gronkowski is coming off his first 1,000 receiving yard season since 2015 with eight touchdowns despite missing two games. One of Brady’s favorite targets, Gronkowski’s spectacular career has been hindered by injuries despite his machine-like build and play.

If the Patriots are without Gronkowski for the game veteran Dwayne Allen would take over as the starting tight end. The former Colt starter had just 10 catches this year with New England, less than a-third of what he totaled last year.

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Concussions are an extrememly touchy subject in the NFL, and every precaution will be taken before Gronkowski takes the field in Minnesota. However, if the NFL doctors are unable to clear him from the concussion protocol, the Patriots chances of winning back-to-back championships will be extremely diminished.