Imagine being New England defensive end Alex Silvestro.
One day, you’re on the Patriots’ practice squad. The next, you’re active for the Super Bowl against the New York Giants.
Silvestro was promoted Saturday night when Bill Belichick decided to make the cruelest cut of all: releasing wide receiver Tiquan Underwood less than 24 hours before the big game. Whether Silvestro plays much remains to be seen — he was active for only one game this season — but he’ll always be able to say he was there.
Pretty cool for the rookie from Rutgers.
Underwood’s release means Chad Ochocinco is also active, set to play in his first Super Bowl in 11 NFL seasons after being inactive for the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. Tight end Rob Gronkowski, one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets, will start despite two weeks of speculation over whether he’d be able to go with a high left ankle sprain.
Inactive, though, is running back Kevin Faulk, who played in the Patriots’ four previous Super Bowls under Belichick.
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It’s time for football. Finally.
After nearly two weeks of hype, predictions and over-analysis — Is Eli already elite? Will Rob Gronkowski’s sprained ankle be OK? Where’s Peyton playing next season? — the
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