Super Bowl 2012 Kickoff Time and Last-Minute Injury Notes

The 2012 Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and New York Giants is mere hours away.

It’s going to be one of the most intense games of the season and an event no one in America should miss, considering how good the contest itself is and the pop-culture tidbits that will be derived from it.

Keep reading to find out what time the game starts, where to watch it, who isn’t playing and so much more.

When is Kickoff Time: Sunday, Feb. 5 at 6:29 p.m. EDT

Where to Watch: NBC

Where to Stream: NBC.com, NFL.com

Update: Sunday, February 5 at 4:45 p.m. EDT

Ralph Vacchanio just Tweeted the final inactive list for both teams. 

"

The Patriots #SBXLVI inactives: RB Kevin Faulk, QB Ryan Mallet, DL Ron Brace, RB Shane Vereen, OL Donald Thomas

The Giants #SBXLVI inactives: WR Ramses Barden, RB Da'Rel Scott, LB Mark Herzlich, C Jim Cordle, DT Jimmy Kennedy, T James Brewer, and DE Justin Trattou.

"

The three major players that will not be playing are Mark Herzlich and Ramses Barden of the Giants and Kevin Faulk of the Patriots.

Of course, this means that Rob Gronkowski and the rest of the questionable players left off of these lists should be seeing the field at some point today.   

Latest Injury Report

February 5 (courtesy of The Indianapolis Star staff)

New York Giants

PROBABLE

Ahmad Bradshaw – Foot

Hakeem Nicks – Shoulder

Tyler Sash – Foot

Osi Umenyiora – Ankle/Knee

Corey Webster – Hamstring

Jacquian Williams – Foot

New England Patriots

QUESTIONABLE

Marcus Cannon – Ankle

Patrick Chung – Knee

Dane Fletcher – Thumb

Rob Gronkowski – Ankle

Kyle Love – Ankle

Logan Mankins – Knee

Rob Ninkovich – Hip

Brandon Spikes – Knee

Sebastian Vollmer – Flu/Back/Foot

Wes Welker – Knee

Tracy White – Abdomen

PROBABLE

Deion Branch – Knee

Dan Connolly – Groin

James Ihedigbo – Shoulder

Matt Light – Flu

Matthew Slater – Shoulder

As you can see, there are a number of players listed as questionable or probable, especially for Bill Belichick’s Patriots. Most of these men are widely expected to play in the biggest game of their careers.

Rob Gronkowski was the big story over the past two weeks, but his injured ankle seems to have gotten better and there is no doubt that such a fierce competitor would never miss a chance to play in the Super Bowl.

Regardless, it’s important to monitor the status of these players right up until the 6:29 p.m. kickoff, so stay tuned to B/R throughout the day for the latest breaking news and analysis of Super Bowl XLVI.