INDIANAPOLIS, JAN 31 - New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was walking without a supportive ankle boot on Tuesday, raising hopes that he may be fit to take part in Sunday's Super Bowl against the New York Giants.

"I am just doing day by day, working with the training staff," he told reporters. "I am making new steps every day, feeling better every day."

Gronkowski, a key part of the Patriots offense, has not practiced since suffering a high ankle injury in the AFC Championship game win over the Baltimore Ravens on January 22.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has listed Gronkowski, who had 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns during the regular season, as "day to day."

The Patriots did not practice on Tuesday but will be back on the field at the Indianapolis Colts' practice facility on Wednesday and there will be plenty of interest in whether Gronkowski takes part.

The 22-year-old said he was not fretting about what his Wednesday agenda will look like.

"Tomorrow is a new day and we'll see what happens tomorrow," the 2011 All-Pro said. "I'm not really worried yet about if I'm not playing or not. That's on Sunday."

But there is no doubt Gronkowski and the Patriots medical staff will be pulling out the stops to try get the tight end on the field against the Giants.

"This is not a regular season game, this is Super Bowl week and you've got to treat it a lot differently," he said.

Despite his injury worries, Gronkowski said he is enjoying Super Bowl week even with all the hype surrounding the game.

"This is a once in a lifetime chance," he said. "This is the last week that this team is going to be together. I'm having a blast with my friends and with the coaches.

"I'm just day by day. I don't know what is going to happen."