FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is officially listed as questionable for Super Bowl XLVI, a designation the Patriots handed him because the league has made both teams declare the status of their players.

The all-world tight end will play, but the left ankle injury is not to be taken lightly. A source confirmed that the second-year star has a high ankle sprain, which is usually an injury that takes four-to-six weeks to heal. Gronkowski will have to play after two weeks, which means he’ll be dealing with pain.

The injury is expected to require surgery following the season to clean up the ankle and fix the ligaments that have been damaged. That should explain what he’s playing through. Gronkowski will take his chances and hope he doesn’t do more damage to the ankle, but playing in the Super Bowl is just too important.

Expect him to not be able to play as fast, but it won’t hurt his other strengths—his huge wing span and the ability to shield defenders from him with his 6-6, 265-pound frame.

AIKMAN’S SUPER BOWL HOT READS

Rob Gronkowski reeled in a tight-end record 17 touchdowns in 2011. (AP Photo)

— Troy’s take on the Pats’ TEs, Brady

— Troy on Coughlin’s Canton credentials

Notes: Patriots Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins doesn’t want to talk about the Patriots’ loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII. When asked, he simply says, “Next question.” With good reason.

Mankins struggled against the Giants’ quick, defensive end-like inside rushers. He said the keys are identifying the player in front of him, knowing whether he’ll use strength or pass-rush moves, and simply being ready.

Perhaps that experience, along with the games the Patriots had against the Giants in the preseason and regular season in 2011, will help Mankins in Super Bowl XLVI.

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