Aaron Hernandez says that life is a little quieter without Rob Gronkowski by his side

Hernandez was the only tight end in practice Thursday.

APNew England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez speaks to reporters at his locker at the NFL football stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. The Patriots are scheduled to face the New York Giants in the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis.

FOXBOROUGH -- Things have been a little quieter the last few days for New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.

With Rob Gronkowski nursing a left ankle injury and new practice squad signee Carson Butler not yet in town, Hernandez was the only tight end in practice and things got a little dull for him Thursday.

"It's a little boring," Hernandez said. "But he'll be back out there soon."

Pressed for answers about his Gronkowski's availability for the Super Bowl, Hernandez said he wasn't overly concerned about his availability.

"I'm sure he'll take it day-to-day. I'm sure he'll be fine," Hernandez said. "But that's for him and the trainers to know about."

There's little doubt that Gronkowski will find a way on the field -- as quarterback Tom Brady said, "It would (stink) to miss this one" -- but the bigger question is if the injury will impact his play.

That answer to that is yet to be determined.