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.
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has a herniated disc in his back, per source. Surgery on Friday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2016
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.
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.
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