Rob Gronkowski Injury: Updates on Patriots Star's Recovery from Back Surgery
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski initially suffered a back injury against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10 and aggravated it in Week 12 against the New York Jets. The injury will require surgery. Gronkowski has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
Continue for updates.
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Dan Gronkowski Comments on Brother's Surgery
Thursday, Dec. 15
"It wasn’t as major as his other back surgeries, so I think he actually felt better after the surgery because it takes some pressure off," Dan Gronkowski said on Wednesday night on WCVB, per WEEI.com's Ryan Hannable. "He’s always a goofball. You guys know that by now, but he likes to work hard. He’ll get back into shape."
Latest on Gronkowski's Recovery
Sunday, Dec. 4
"[Gronkowski's] surgery Friday, a successful one performed by Dr. Robert Watkins in California, was his third to repair a herniated disc. While some debate his future status with the team—the Patriots absolutely plan for him to be on the team in 2017 and beyond—it's clear Gronk's future just got very difficult and very complicated," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted on Sunday. He continued:
Gronkowski Hits IR
Saturday, Dec. 3
The Patriots announced Gronkowski has been placed on injured reserve and will not return this season. Running back D.J. Foster has been promoted to the active roster.
Belichick Comments on Gronkowski's Injury
Friday, Dec. 2
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick addressed Gronkowski's situation on Friday, per NESN's Doug Kyed:
Gronkowski to Undergo Surgery
Thursday, Dec. 1
The Patriots released a statement on Gronkowski's situation:
Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News first reported the news.
Gronkowski Is Irreplaceable for Patriots
Gronkowski is one of the league's most valuable offensive weapons thanks to his route-running versatility and the matchup problems he creates with his size and athleticism. That's why he caught at least 10 touchdowns in five of his first six NFL seasons.
The only thing capable of slowing the 27-year-old Arizona product is injury. He hasn't played all 16 regular-season games since 2011. He missed the start of the current campaign with a hamstring issue, and a chest injury sidelined him for New England's Week 11 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Martellus Bennett will once again take over as New England's top tight end with Gronk out. However, Bennett is also dealing with an ankle injury that has limited him, per Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. The situation could also create a rare opportunity for Matt Lengel or Greg Scruggs to get involved in the offense.
The Patriots offense won't be nearly as effective without Gronkowski, who attracts significant defensive attention when he's on the field. That said, having Tom Brady at quarterback tends to lessen the impact of what would be a crushing blow to most teams.
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