Patriots gridiron news: Rob Gronkowski ‘super relieved’ injury is not serious

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski confirmed on Monday that the groin injury he suffered during Sunday’s 36-20 victory is not serious.

The greatest part of Sunday’s victory over the New Orleans Saints was the performance of Rob Gronkowski.  The New England Patriots tight end hauled in six receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown, showing signs he is back to his dominant ways.

The most concerning part of the Week 2 win, however, was Gronkowski’s health.

The All-Pro tight end come up gingerly in the third quarter, quickly reminding fans that he is just one hit away from his NFL career ending prematurely.

In what was feared to be another back injury, the team confirmed that Gronkowski only suffered a minor groin injury.

A sigh of relief?  Yes, and what was more affirming was Gronkowski’s own confirmation on Monday.

"“Yeah, yeah, the reports say it is my groin, and yes, it is my groin,” Gronk said, via the Boston Herald.  “Just so you know, it’s nothing serious and I’m day-to-day.”"

Definitely great news for the team and fans.  With the current influx of injuries on the offensive side of the ball, Tom Brady and company can least afford to lose Rob Gronkowski for any extended period of time.

Unfortunately, with his size and the amount of physicality he endures each game, the chance for injury is high as it is.  Add to that his injury history and it may be a miracle if the big tight end gets through the entire season without missing time on the field.

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Let’s just hope if he does endure an injure, it’s nothing major.  Also, let’s hope the groin injury isn’t something that lingers.

For now, it appears it is nothing to worry about and for that we are “super relieved” and so is Gronkowski.

Team works out former first-round pick 

As we know, there are “No Days Off” when it comes to the New England Patriots.

ESPN’s Field Yates reported on Monday that the team has worked out former first-round pick Datone Jones.

The defensive lineman previously played for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.  In his first four seasons with the Packers, he tallied 74 tackles and nine sacks.

Although the team generally work out a number of players on a weekly basis, Jones is interesting.  He could provide some depth along the defensive line, especially if Vincent Valentine continues to miss time on the field.

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The team also worked out a number of wide receivers, including River Cracraft, Kenny Lawler, and Nelson Spruce.  Given the team’s lack of depth at the receiver position due to injury, it would not be a surprise if they signed someone within the next week or so.

Injury report

Along with Rob Gronkowski, the team will monitor injuries suffered by cornerback Eric Rowe, running back Rex Burkhead and wide receivers Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett this week.

While Gronk, Rowe, Hogan and Dorsett have already brushed off their injuries as not serious, Burkhead is a concern.  The versatile running back left the game Sunday due to a rib injury and has yet to commented the extent of the injury.

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Luckily, the team is deep at running back and can get by without Burkhead if he misses any extensive period of time.