New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is hit by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Barry Church (42) as he breaks up a pass during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)Steven Senne/Associated Press

Rob Gronkowski Returns to Practice Ahead of Super Bowl Despite Concussion

Adam WellsJan 27, 2018

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski took the next step in his recovery from a concussion by returning to the practice field Saturday.

NESN's Zack Cox shared video of the 28-year-old:

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Per ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, the Patriots noted Gronkowski remains in the NFL's concussion protocol with Saturday's practice being part of his rehab progression.

After leaving New England's 24-20 AFC Championship Game victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Gronkowski sat out practice each of the past three days.

He was injured on a hard hit to the head from Jaguars safety Barry Church, who was fined $24,309 by the NFL as a result.

The Patriots will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Feb. 4.