Rob Gronkowski still not participating in team activities

Rob Gronkowski was still absent from New England Patriots team activities as of Friday, meaning the status quo continues for the star tight end ahead of the Super Bowl.

Via Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, Gronkowski was not present for the team’s walkthrough on Friday, ensuring at least another day of questions about his status. The Patriots had no further update with the Super Bowl a little over a week away.

Gronkowski is still battling a concussion that he suffered on a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jacksonville safety Barry Church.

Despite the ongoing absence, the optimism hasn’t dimmed regarding whether or not Gronkowski will play. With a whole other week of preparation yet to come, the safest bet is still that he will probably end up playing.