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Patriots: Rob Gronkowski Having Back Surgery, Possibly Season-ending

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Oct 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates a touchdown by spiking the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Patriots won 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates a touchdown by spiking the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Patriots won 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo back surgery, could possibly miss 8 weeks.

Rob Gronkowski may be gone for the season.  Per multiple sources Thursday, the New England Patriots tight end will undergo back surgery on Friday and is expected to miss about eight weeks.

The All-Pro tight end left Sunday’s game against the New York Jets due to a back injury.  At the time, it was reported that the injury was not serious, but as it turns out, Gronkowski has been diagnosed with a herniated disk that he apparently suffered in the game against the Seattle Seahawks.

It will be the third surgery Gronkowski will have on his back and is very concerning.  The big tight end could possibly return in time for the Super Bowl (if the team makes it), but with the injuries he has had on his back, one could even wonder if this could be an injury that ends his career.

Rob Gronkowski has played eight games this season.  He has 35 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns.  Ironically, his last productive game was the game against the Bills in which he broke Stanley Morgan’s touchdown receptions franchise record.

The offense without Gronkowski

Although Martellus Bennett is going through his gown injuries, the Patriots’ offense is more equip to deal without Gronkowski.  Bennett can be just as dominant as Gronkowski in the offense.

Patriots
Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) watches as New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) runs the ball during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

The Patriots will also benefit from the return of Dion Lewis and the emergence of rookie wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell.  Playmakers like Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola will also have to step up in Rob Gronkowski’s absence.

As far as backups at the tight end position, New England currently has fullback/tight end James Develin who can certainly fill in with blocking.  They also have Matt Lengel and recently re-signed tight end Kennard Backman to the practice squad.

Next: Jae Crowder: Boston Celtics Need to Get ‘Nastier’ on Defense

Want to keep up to date on Rob Gronkowski and the New England Patriots?  Keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions.

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