Giants vs. Patriots: How Rob Gronkowski's Injury Hurts New England

Rob Gronkowski has yet to practice for the New England Patriots in preparation for Super Bowl XLVI, as the tight end is struggling with a badly sprained ankle. After suffering the injury against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, the 22-year-old is almost certain to need offseason surgery and he won't be at 100 percent during the big game.

Though Gronkowski will play on Sunday against the New York Giants, the fact that he is going to be below 100 percent could have a profound effect on New England's offense. "Gronk" became one of the NFL's most dangerous players as the season went along and if he's hobbled, things will be much more difficult for quarterback Tom Brady.

Gronkowski was second among all NFL tight ends with 90 receptions this season, while leading them in yards (1,327), and his 17 touchdowns set the single-season record for the position. In two postseason games, the second-year man out of Arizona racked up 15 catches for 232 yards and three touchdowns. 

At 6'6" and 265 pounds, Gronkowski is a gigantic target who happens to be a freak athletically. He has incredible hands and showed this season that he is dangerous in the open field. In fact, his ability to gain yards after the catch is precisely the thing that made him so good this season.

Even though he will be in the lineup, the fact that the massive target will be restricted means that fellow second-year tight end Aaron Hernandez will have to step up. The Florida product had a very successful season as well, as he finished the year with 79 receptions for 910 yards and seven touchdowns.

While he certainly doesn't possess Gronkowski's size, Hernandez has proven he can be effective in the open field as well.

Obviously Brady will have receivers Wes Welker and Deion Branch working on the outside for him, but a third target must emerge to help open up New York's defense. Hernandez and Chad Ochocinco will both need to make themselves available quickly to help keep the Giants' formidable pass rush off of Brady.

Hopefully Gronkowski can heal more quickly than expected, but right now I would be shocked if he even practiced in preparation for the Super Bowl.

That could mean bad things for the Patriots come game time.