Gronkowski expects to play Sunday

Rob Gronkowski isn't too worried about his playing status for the Super Bowl.

The New England Patriots tight end said his walking boot came off Monday and he is pleased with the progress he has seen in his injured left ankle.

"That's a positive sign. You just want to keep going in a positive direction, and I want to be out there with the team, obviously," Gronkowski said at Super Bowl media day. "I want to help out the team, obviously."

The health of the 22-year-old was clearly a large storyline in Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Gronkowski hasn't practiced since suffering a reported high-ankle sprain in the AFC Championship. But the Arizona product remained extremely positive during the hour-long media session.

"I'm just going day by day, every single day, just working with the training staff, and whatever the training staff wants me to do, that's what I'm doing," Gronkowski explained. "I'm making new steps every day, and I'm feeling better every day.

It is unclear if Gronkowski will practice during the week. Despite the injury, Gronkowski is relishing the opportunity and he expects to play in his first-ever Super Bowl on Sunday.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I'm having a good time with my teammates," Gronkowski told NFL.com. "This is the last week the team's going to be together, and I'm having a blast with my friends, having a blast with my coaches and having a blast with everyone."

Gronkowski had 90 catches for 1,327 yards and a 17 touchdowns during the regular season.