Gronkowski practices for Patriots

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- New England tight end Rob Gronkowski took part in a Super Bowl practice for the first time Thursday, although his status for Sunday's game remained in doubt.

"He did some things," Patriots Coach Bill Belichick said. "He didn't do everything. We'll see how he is tomorrow. I think that will be the big key, how he responds to this today."

Gronkowski, coming off the most productive season for a tight end in the history of the NFL, had not practiced since suffering a sprained left ankle in New England's victory over Baltimore in the AFC title game Jan. 22.

He caught 90 passes for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns during the regular season and his potential absence would be a significant loss for the Patriots when they meet the New York Giants in the 46th Super Bowl.

Gronkowski participated in the second half of a 2-hour workout Thursday.

The Giants worked for 90 minutes and running back Ahmad Bradshaw took part in practice for the second straight day.

Bradshaw has been slowed by a foot injury this season and New York Coach Tom Coughlin said he thought this was the first time the running back had worked out two days in a row since the start of the campaign.

"We did fine," Coughlin said of the workout. "The energy level, the enthusiasm, the excitement is all there, as it should be, as it was yesterday. They're really excited to practice for the game. I think they've done very well. This was a good day of preparation.''