The Facts: The NFL requires teams to send out an injury report filled with a projection for what the status of their players will be for the game. Thus, Rob Gronkowski is officially questionable for the game.

Diehards Line:As Herald staffer Ian Rapoport added: "Yes, yes, it’s nine days away and all, but still, that’s what the rules say. ..." So in addition to Gronkowski, the "faux" injury report also includes Deion Branch (questionable, knee) and Wes Welker (questionable, knee).. ... And if you think there's any chance any of them miss the Super Bowl, we suggest you think again. That said, both Rapoport and Boston Globe staffer Shalise Manza Young report that Gronkowski's high-ankle sprain will require surgery after the season to clean it up. Also, the expectation from those who know him well is that he’ll require a numbing shot before the game.