INDIANAPOLIS — Rob Gronkowski‘s sprained left ankle continues to be the most talked-about body part on the Patriots.

The tight end practiced on a limited basis Thursday for the first time since injuring his left ankle in the AFC Championship Game. Coach Bill Belichick said Friday that he’s pleased with Gronkowski’s progress leading up to Super Bowl XLVI.

“I think he was OK. I don’t think we had any setbacks, and we’ll see how it goes out there today, but … Rob’s worked extremely hard,” Belichick told reporters. “He’s gotten treatment morning, noon and night, and he’s gotten better on a daily basis. Hopefully we’ll be able to continue that same progress today, tomorrow and all day Sunday, and then we’ll see where that takes us. But I think he’s coming along.”

NFL Network’s Stacey Dales pushed the subject, asking for more elaboration on Gronkowski’s status.

“He practiced on a limited basis,” Belichick said. “He did some of the things that we did in practice, but not all of them.”

His super-dry response drew laughter from a roomful of reporters.

“Is that the elaboration you were looking for?” he asked.

Maybe not, but it’s all we’re going to get.

– Marc Sessler

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