Rob Gronkowski Injury: Updates on Patriots Star's Chest and Return

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was listed as having a chest injury, which he suffered against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Nov. 14 that Gronkowski had punctured his lung, but he is ready to return against the New York Jets.

Continue for updates.

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Gronkowski Active vs. Jets

Sunday, Nov. 27

The Patriots announced Gronkowski is available to play in Week 12 against New York.

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Latest on Gronkowski's Practice Status

Friday, Nov. 25

The Patriots announced Gronkowski was limited in practice for the third straight day.

Mike Reiss of ESPN.com shared video of Gronkowski taking part in practice:

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Belichick Comments on Gronkowski's Injury

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told reporters he has "nothing to add" regarding the status of Gronkowski's injury.

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Gronkowski Injury Details Revealed

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Rapoport reported Gronkowski's injury has been described to him as a "perforated lung," meaning there's a small puncture. But he added the prognosis is the same and that the tight end will miss "minimal time."

On Nov. 14, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the injury is not considered "overly serious."

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Gronkowski will undergo additional testing and added the injury "did not appear to be as severe as a punctured lung" but that there has not been a final determination.

Rapoport provided further details on his report of a punctured lung:

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Gronkowski Remains Essential Piece of Pats Offense

Gronkowski was hurt on a big hit by Earl Thomas in the second quarter of the Nov. 13 game. Gronkowski left the field for five plays before returning and finishing the game.

"It was a good, clean hit," Gronkowski said, per Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com. "You are going to get laid out eventually."

Gronkowski, 27, missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury and was limited upon his return, though he's since regained his dominant form, catching 25 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns.

But for all Gronkowski's dominance, his inability to stay healthy has become a major concern. He's missed 18 games in six-plus seasons and has been injured fairly regularly, though when he's on the field, he is one of the most potent offensive weapons in football and one of the most difficult matchups for opposing defenses.

In October 2015, Gronkowski recorded his 60th touchdown in just his 70th game, which set an NFL record. Only two tight ends have recorded more touchdowns than Gronkowski's 69: Tony Gonzalez (111) and Antonio Gates (109).

In short, he's New England's most important offensive player after quarterback Tom Brady.

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