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Justin Tuck hopes Gronkowski is 'not as versatile'

Print | Comments () Posted by Staff January 31, 2012 04:58 PM

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By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- New York Giants defensive lineman Justin Tuck, who played in Super Bowl XLII against the Patriots, was more forthcoming than his Patriots counterparts when it came to tight end Rob Gronkowski's ankle injury.

"Hopefully that ankle hurts a little more than everyone expects it to and he is not as versatile as he has been," Tuck said. "You talk about the talent that he is, he had probably the best year for a tight end ever."

Slowing down Gronkowski, even if he's less than 100 percent on Sunday, will be a tall task for the Giants.

"It's a team effort," Tuck said. "We know how to play against him. Obviously, we got the opportunity to play against him to see what he is all about in Week 9 and he had a great game that game. If he plays and regardless of what percentage he is, we will have some things in place to kind of have our best foot forward as far as stopping him."

Gronkowski had eight catches for 101 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 loss to the Giants in Week 9. It was the last loss the Patriots suffered before going on a 10-game winning streak to reach the Super Bowl.