FOXBORO -- For the first time since the first half in the AFC championship game, Rob Gronkowski was on the field with the rest of his teammates, as he was present at Patriots practice Saturday after missing every other session this week.
The tight end suffered a concussion at the end of the first half and was ruled out in the second half. While he still remains in the concussion protocol, having him on the field indicates he's progressing in the right direction.
"It is always great to have him out there," Tom Brady said Saturday. "He is a great player, great person, great teammate and a big part of what we do. Obviously, it hurts when he is not out there for a lot of reasons. He's doing the best he can do and we're all hopeful."
The Eagles have had issues with tight ends, as during the regular season they allowed 73 catches for 745 yards and five touchdowns.
Part of having Gronkowski back on the field is the energy he brings to the team.
"Yeah, absolutely," Brady said. "I think he has a great personality and a great way about him. He definitely has a joyfulness to him and he brings that to the team. It's just a great attribute of his. It always has been since he got here."
With over a week until Super Bowl LII, things are trending in the right direction for Gronkowski to play in the game.
