Patriots' Rob Gronkowski says he will play in Super Bowl

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is still in the league’s concussion protocol, but he said Tuesday night he will play in Super Bowl LII. 

Gronkowski didn't provide many details, but he gave a straightforward response when he was asked if he'd be in the lineup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. 

"Yes," Gronkowski said. 

Moments earlier, Gronkowski used more cautious language.

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"We will see how it goes and what the doctors say," Gronkowski said. "I'm not the guy that says, 'Oh, I'm out of the protocol.' That's the doctors' calls and hopefully that's very, very soon."

Gronkowski was at the Microsoft Store inside the Mall of America to face off against Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount in the Xbox Live Sessions: Super Bowl Edition, as the two were set to play Madden NFL 18.

Gronkowski was diagnosed with a concussion as a result of a hit he sustained in the AFC title game against the the Jacksonville Jaguars on Jan. 21. While he returned to practice over the weekend, Gronkowski remained in the concussion protocol as of Tuesday. 

Gronkowski did not participate in Super Bowl Opening Night, during which coaches and players were made available to the media.

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