INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) ? New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has said tight end Rob Gronkowski will "definitely" play in the Super Bowl against the New York Giants, NBC television reported Sunday.
The 22-year-old set National Football League records for a tight end with 1,327 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns this season and is central to the Patriots' offense.
But Gronkowski picked up an injury to his left ankle in the January 22 AFC championship game win over the Baltimore Ravens and only returned to practice Thursday.
The NBC report said Belichick had said he would only decide how much play to give Gronkowski after seeing how he coped with playing at full speed, which has not been able to do in his brief appearances in practice.
The tight-end arrived in Indianapolis a week ago wearing a supportive ankle boot, prompting fears that he could miss the game.
New England have made a two tight-ends offensive package a key feature of their game this season with Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez proving to be difficult for defenses to handle.
The Patriots surprisingly announced Saturday they were taking receiver Tiquan Underwood off their 53-man roster and activating defensive end Alex Silvestro from their practice squad.
The move will give Belichick greater depth in defense and may increase the chances of Chad Ochocinco being activated as the fifth wide receiver.
(Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Ed Osmond)
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