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Rob Gronkowski Feels Ankle Injury Is ‘Getting Better Every Single Week’

Back in February, the Patriots' Super Bowl chances hinged squarely on the right ankle of tight end Rob Gronkowski. Unfortunately for the Patriots, that ankle didn't hold up quite as well as they had hoped in the 21-17 loss to the New York Giants.

But as New England gears up for a new season and another shot at claiming the franchise's fourth Super Bowl title, Gronkowski's health remains vital to the Patriots' success. And according to Gronk, he is seeing a good amount of progress in the surgically-repaired ligament, the Boston Herald reports.

"Just taking it day by day," Gronkowski said after getting his head shaved at a charity event on Sunday. "Everything is going well, just feeling better every single week."

The progress hasn't been quite enough to get Gronkowski back out on the practice field during the team's offseason OTAs, but it is a positive sign for the Pro Bowler as Gronk and his teammates move closer to training camp.

Gronkowski had a dominant 2011 season, hauling in 90 receptions and breaking a number of NFL tight end records with 1,327 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Gronkowski was also extremely productive in the postseason, with 17 receptions, 258 yards and three touchdowns in three playoff games.

The hope is that his ankle heals to the point where the Patriots will see similar production once again this season.