Aaron Hernandez Injury: Updates on Patriots TE's Week 4 Status and Fantasy Value

The New England Patriots breakout tight end Aaron Hernandez missed Sunday’s loss against the Buffalo Bills.

Hernandez did not even make the trip with the team to Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo Week 3 after limping off with what was diagnosed as an MCL sprain against San Diego.

Rob Gronkowski got a majority of targets from the tight end spot, especially in the red zone and scored two touchdowns in Hernandez’s absence.

Keep checking back to this page throughout the day for the latest information on the Patriots’ sorely missed tight end. 

Sunday, Oct. 2 at 10:02 a.m. EDT

To nobody's surprise, Hernandez was ruled out of the Week 4 game with the Oakland Raiders.

According to Shalise Manza Young:

If you were holding out hope for Hernandez to return to the lineup today than you were being a bit naive.

The Patriots, ever-secretive with their injury report, initially ruled Hernandez out for several weeks prior to Week 3.

His status will continue to be monitored, but he's not ready to be back on the field just yet.

It is unlikely that any owner has both Rob Gronkowski and Hernandez, but if you are one of those lucky few, keeping leaning on the Gronk to make plays week in and week out.

Otherwise, there is no telling which receiver Tom Brady will become fond of next. Chad Ochocinco could actually become a factor sooner or later, but Deion Branch would be a safer Patriots flex option if you have another tight end to play in Hernandez's place. 

Friday, Sept. 30 at 12:55 p.m ET

ESPN Boston is reporting that Hernandez was out of practice once again.

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Also not spotted for a second straight day were defensive tackles Albert Haynesworth (back) and Mike Wright (concussion), offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back), and tight end Aaron Hernandez (knee). After not having practiced all week, it is highly unlikely any of these players will travel to Oakland or play against the Raiders.

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This is a bummer for Hernandez fantasy owners and also the Patriots. More so for fantasy owners because New England has Rob Gronkowski to rely on. If you're a fantasy owner that also has Gronkowski then good for you.

Hernandez will continue to rest up and hopefully be ready to go for Week 5 when the Patriots are back home against the New York Jets.  

Thursday, Sept. 29 at 3:23 p.m. EDT

It doesn't look good for Aaron Hernandez. The star TE missed last week's game against the Buffalo Bills, and it doesn't look like he is going to play after missing practice today.

Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 12:30 p.m. EDT

Gary Dzen of Boston.com has some good news from Hernandez himself.

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"Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, who suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee in Week 2, said today that he's working his way back and hopes to play as soon as possible.

'I'm feeling good, man," Hernandez told reporters. "I just take it day by day and work with the trainers and try to get back as soon as possible.'"

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Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 12:00 p.m. EDT

Mike Reiss talked with Hernandez at practice. Hernandez would not speculate on his readiness for the game on Sunday against Oakland

Monday Sept. 26 at 3:30 p.m. EDT

Mike Giardi of CSNNE.com tweeted that he spoke with Hernandez and he feels "good". Nothing more has been released on the medical front but keep it tuned here for that update when it breaks.