It would be nice to see a compelling Super Bowl, so maybe there are some thinking it would be a plus if the game's best tight end doesn't get cleared to return from a concussion. But the general suspicion last week that two weeks would be plenty of time for Rob Gronkowski appears correct.
Gronkowski practiced both Saturday and Sunday in advance of the team traveling to Minnesota for Super Bowl LII. He's going to be cleared to play, probably practicing fully by the team's normal Wednesday-Friday practice schedule.
You may recall Tom Brady had the hand injury that didn't seem to bother him a whit against Jacksonville. He's fine, according to the linked article from The Boston Globe. So too is defensive tackle Malcolm Brown, who apparently injured a foot against the Jaguars. He missed some practice time last week, but says "there is no doubt" he'll be fine for Super Bowl LII.
One of the interesting tidbits from the Globe's coverage is the fact that the Patriots have gone four games without forcing a turnover. Those four games were against the Bills, Jets, Titans and Jaguars. All wins, of course, and New England racked up some sacks in those games. But pretty remarkable not to have a turnover. One of the reasons we like the Eagles defense a little more than New England's in the Super Bowl, fantasy-wise anyway, and a possible factor should Philadelphia spring an upset.
During the season the Eagles had 19 interceptions and recovered 11 fumbles; an average of nearly 2 takeaways per game. New England was at 12 and 5; about half as many. They're facing a tough opponent in that regard in Tom Brady. But that opportunistic defense looks like the key if the Eagles are able to come out on top.
--Andy Richardson