It's been far from the easiest season for Rob Gronkowski.
The Patriots tight end has seen a noticeable dip in his production this season. Much of that regression, of course, is due to limitations from injuries such as a bothersome ankle that has nagged him since September.
But as Gronkowski readies to take on the Chargers in a pivotal Divisional Round matchup on Sunday, the 29-year-old makes it clear those limitations won't keep him from giving 100 percent.
"It’s a new season right now, the playoffs," Gronkowski said on Thursday. "So, whatever I’ve got going forward is what I’m going to give, for sure."
Gronk also addressed whether there's frustration whenever he walks back to the huddle thinking he could have caught a pass if not for his ankle.
"I’ve been in situations like that before, no doubt – practice, games," Gronkowski said. "You’ve dealt with things like that before and had felt like that before like, ‘Dang.’ But it’s the game of football. There’s no room for excuses, everyone’s dealing with something and you’ve just got to keep on moving forward and you’ve got to find a way. It’s what makes this game great. You’ve got to be mentally and physically prepared at all times to keep on going."
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One of the marquee matchups for Sunday's game will be Gronkowski vs. the Chargers' standout rookie safety, Derwin James. The Patriots will need a healthy Gronk on the field against James and the rest of L.A.'s tough D. Fortunately, Gronk gave an encouraging update on his status with just three days until game time.
"Yeah, we’re going into the playoffs," Gronk said. "We just had a bye week. Practice is going well, doing what the coaches ask me to do, so just getting ready for the game Sunday."
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