Aaron Hernandez Injury: Projecting Fantasy Status for Rob Gronkowski

The New England Patriots and the New York Jets square off today in what has quickly become one of the more heated rivalries in the NFL, and the vaunted Patriots offense may be forced to take on a stout Jets defense without one of their biggest weapons in tight end Aaron Hernandez.

The second-year pro suffered a knee sprain in Week 2, and while Hernandez practiced on a limited basis and has stated that he's "determined to play" against the Jets, according to a report on PFT, Hernandez will still be a game-time decision.

His very questionable playing status may have Hernandez's fantasy owners grumbling in frustration, but it's music to the ears of fantasy owners of fellow Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Last week's one-catch disappearing act aside, Gronkowski has been a monster so far this season, reeling in 18 catches for 296 yards and an eye-popping five touchdowns through four games, and there's ample reason to believe that Gronkowski could be in for another huge day.

New England wide receiver Wes Welker has been the National Football League's most prolific receiver to this point in the season, but Welker will likely draw cornerback Darrelle Revis in coverage for much of the day, meaning that quarterback Tom Brady may have to distribute passes to other receivers today rather than pepper his "go-to" guy with the football.

Given the Hernandez injury, Welker being marooned on Revis Island, and the fact that wide receivers Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco have been non-factors so far this year, it's very reasonable to suppose that Gronkowski will see a ton of targets today, and Rob Gronkowski may well be the top fantasy play at his position in Week 5 because of it.