Gronkowski ‘Ready to Roll’ After Clearing Concussion Protocol

The NFL says New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been cleared from the concussion protocol and will play against the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday's Super Bowl.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, a former Patriots beat reporter, was the first to report the news. The Patriots injury report listed Gronkowski as a full participant in Thursday's practice.

"I officially got the word today that I was clear," Gronkowski said Thursday. "It was super nice to hear from the doctors."

The star tight end was on the practice field Wednesday, but was a limited participant as he remained in concussion protocol. A day later, he says he didn't hold back.

"I was able to do everything. Everything that I was asked to do out there on the field," Gronkowski said. "I'll be ready to roll in the game. I'll be full go, ready to roll."

Gronkowski said Tuesday following a public appearance that he expected to play in the Super Bowl. Prior to that, he had been mostly silent as he recovered from a concussion suffered in the AFC title game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"I was just going through the protocol, whatever the standards were, whatever they had me do throughout the weeks. I mean, I would say they were more on the cautious side," he said Thursday. "Did every step by step, every day, and everything went smooth."

Gronkowski played just eight games last season and missed the Patriots' entire playoff run after undergoing season-ending back surgery.