FOXBORO -- Super Bowl LII is 11 days away and Rob Gronkowski's status is one of the biggest topics surrounding the game.
The tight end left the AFC championship game with a head injury and was ruled out during the second half. It would appear Gronkowski is in the concussion protocol, although the team has not made this official.
At Wednesday's press conference, a reporter asked Bill Belichick about Gronkowski's status for the game and resulted in a pretty good back and forth, which was awkward at times.
Reporter: "Can you give us an update on Rob Gronkowski — has he finished his concussion protocol, and do you expect him to play?"BB: "Yeah, we will be compliant with the NFL injury report and when that is required we'll put it on there."
R: "When is that process completely finished?"BB: "When is what process is finished?"
R: "The concussion report, the…"BB: "Whatever the situation is, whatever his status is, we'll put it on the injury report. We'll make sure you're the first one to get it."
R: "I'm sure you will. Do you expect him to play?"BB: "We'll put it right on the injury report and that is what we're going to do."
R: "OK."BB: "Just like everyone else does. Make sure he's first on the list too, Stacey [James]."
R: "Thank you. I appreciate it."BB: "We don't want to hold anyone back here. Get that out there."
R: "I know you don't."BB: "That's all we can do."
The Patriots will not practice Wednesday, so Thursday will be the first potential chance to see Gronkowski on the field.
