Patriots Gridiron News: Belichick, Teammates React to Gronk Injury

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick as well as teammates see a big challenge ahead without the services of Rob Gronkowski.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent back surgery Friday and is likely to miss the rest of the season. Head coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and other teammates reacted to the loss of such an important play to the team.

Following a joint statement released by the team and Gronkowski’s family, Belichick said in his press conference Friday that he hopes the 27-year-old tight end makes it through the injury with as positive results as possible.

"“We’re all disappointed,” Belichick said. “Nobody has worked harder than Rob and been a better teammate and all that. So hopefully things will work out as positively as possible with him. All the information that we gave you is really all that we have for now. I’m sure there will be more coming as we go through the next few days, so we’ll just take it as it comes. It’s an unfortunate situation for him. That being said, we’ll turn our attention to the Rams.”"

Brady, who must find a way to anchor the offense without the big target, added his sentiments. He highlighted the challenge that now lies ahead for the team.

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"“He’s a tough player,” Brady said of Rob Gronkowski. “There are no guys like Rob just on the street. It’s hard to sub one guy for one guy but other guys will just have to play. When he comes out of the lineup, someone else has to step in and fill that spot. It may not be a tight end spot, maybe another receiver, another running back, could be tight end.”"

One of the players who could step in is fullback James Develin. Having some tight end experience, Develin said he is prepared to do whatever the team needs.

"“I can’t speak for the reps I’m getting,” Develin said. “I just have to go out and try to do my best when my number’s called.”"

While losing Gronk is a big blow for the offense, the Patriots are probably more prepared than ever to move forward without the Pro-Bowl tight end. With Martellus Bennett, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Malcolm Mitchell, Dion Lewis and James White, Tom Brady has enough weapons to continue the aerial attack. They just have to do it in a different way.

Glenn Gronkowski back again: The revolving door for fullback Glenn Gronkowski continues. Per Patriots.com Friday, the younger Gronkowski brother was re-signed to the practice squad after being released on Nov. 30.

To make room for Gronkowski, the Patriots released TE Kennard Backman from the practice squad. With James Develin expected to take on more of a tight end role on the 53-man roster, could the Patriots possibly promote Gronkowski as the team’s fullback on of these weeks?

Injury Report: The Patriots have quite the injury report heading into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Rob Gronkowski and Jordan Richards have both been ruled out for the game while New England has nine players listed as questionable. Those players include Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, Martellus Bennett, Chris Hogan and Trey Flowers.

Linebacker Elandon Roberts is new to the injury list with a jaw injury. Special teamer Nate Ebner returned to practice Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday due to a concussion.

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