Rob Gronkowski Injury: Updates on Patriots TE's Knee and Return

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski suffered a knee injury against the Denver Broncos in Week 12 and missed Week 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he is now ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Gronkowski Active vs. Texans

Sunday, Dec. 13

The Patriots announced Gronkowski is available to play against Houston.

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Gronkowski Speaks to Reporters

Friday, Dec. 11

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Latest on Gronkowski's Practice Status

Friday, Dec. 11

Doug Kyed of NESN reported Gronkowski practiced for the second straight day on Friday. 

Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal noted that Gronkowski has missed only four practices since he injured his knee on Nov. 29.

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Gronkowski Comments on Injury

Tuesday, Dec. 1

Gronkowski provided an update for fans regarding his knee injury, per Bleacher Report's UNINTERRUPTED: 

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Patriots, Gronkowski's Family Issue Statement on Injury

Tuesday, Dec. 1

Kyed provided the release:

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Latest on Gronkowski's Playing Status

Monday, Nov. 30

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Gronkowski is "not expected to play" against the Philadelphia Eagles, adding he's "likely to miss multiple weeks" and his "return date will be a pain tolerance issue."

Earlier, Rapoport reported Gronkowski "is unlikely to miss more than one game. ... In fact, he may not even miss that."

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Gronkowski Reportedly Avoided Major Injury

Monday, Nov. 30

Russini reported Gronkowski's injury "is being described as more of a bruise of the knee than a tear," citing sources. Russini also reported Gronkowski is "week to week."

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Brady Comments on Gronkowski's Injury   

Sunday, Nov. 29

"He's been through a lot. He's a tough guy. All our fingers are crossed," Brady said after the game, per Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.

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Gronk Carted Off the Field vs. Broncos

Sunday, Nov. 29

Gronkowski was carted off with a right knee injury, and NFL.com provided a look at the play:

James Palmer of NFL Network added video of Gronkowski putting weight on both legs as he walked out of the X-ray room:

He had six receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game.

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Gronkowski's Return a Huge Boost to Patriots Offense 

Heading into Week 12, Gronkowski had caught 51 passes for 843 yards and eight touchdowns. 

Between 2012 and 2013, Gronkowski was limited to 18 regular-season games.

First, there was the broken forearm in November 2012 and the consequent surgeries and infection into the spring of 2013. Then, he tore his ACL and MCL in December 2013, knocking him out for the rest of that season.

However, Gronkowski played in all but one of the Patriots' regular-season games in 2014, when he caught 82 passes for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns. Although that didn't quite match his ridiculous stats from 2011, when he took 90 passes for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns, he still led the team in receiving yards and receiving TDs.

Adding the 26-year-old adds a major threat to the Patriots passing game. Brady gets a go-to receiver who can change a game.