New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski runs against the Washington Redskins during a NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday Nov. 8, 2015. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Rob Gronkowski Injury: Updates on Patriots Star's Knee, Back and Recovery

Matt FitzgeraldJan 13, 2016

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is battling a knee injury and was added to the team's injury report in advance of Saturday's divisional-round showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, he has been cleared to play in the contest.

Continue for updates.

TOP NEWS

Gronkowski Active vs. Chiefs

Saturday, Jan. 16

The Patriots announced Gronkowski will play against Kansas City.

Latest on Gronkowski's Practice Status

Friday, Jan. 15

The team announced Gronkowski was a limited participant in Friday's practice session.

Gronkowski Received Treatment on Right Knee

Thursday, Jan. 14

Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss of ESPN reported Gronkowski received treatment on his knee at a hospital, including an injection. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported there was no injection.

Gronkowski Vital to Patriots Offense, Super Bowl Hopes

Gronkowski suffered a bruised right knee in Week 12, which was the same knee he tore an ACL and an MCL in during the 2013 campaign. The play looked bad at the time, but thankfully the 26-year-old emerged without a major injury.

Ever since the aforementioned torn knee ligaments, Gronkowski has proved to be durable, missing just two games over the past two years. He is a matchup nightmare as a pass-catcher and brings physicality as a blocker, making him the most complete tight end in the game.

A weapon like Gronkowski is impossible to replace. Scott Chandler is a decent receiving threat at Gronkowski's position, but he doesn't boast similar explosiveness.

Fortunately for the Patriots, Gronkowski's injury didn't result in his absence for the game.