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Rob Gronkowski Injury Update: Patriots TE Could Miss Two Months

By Cody Williams

Oct 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) scores a touchdown past Pittsburgh Steelers safety Robert Golden (21) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Patriots won the game, 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) scores a touchdown past Pittsburgh Steelers safety Robert Golden (21) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Patriots won the game, 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots will reportedly be without Rob Gronkowski for the rest of the regular season and longer with his back injury looking serious.

When Rob Gronkowski left the New England Patriots’ Week 12 game against the New York Jets in the first half, there was a feeling that he wouldn’t return. That wound up being the case. However, the Patriots calmed the worrying minds by saying it wasn’t serious. Moreover, the prevailing belief was that he would be good to go down the stretch. Both the severity of the injury and his return are now less than favorable.

According to multiple reports, Gronkowski suffered a herniated disc in his back and will require surgery to fix the injury. That surgery will take place on Friday, Dec. 2, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

While the Patriots are not giving a timetable for Gronkowski, Vic Carucci of Buffalo News and Sirius XM NFL Radio is reporting that the injury and subsequent surgery will keep the tight end out for eight weeks, or two months:

In case you were unaware, there are only five weeks left in the regular season. Moreover, the Patriots are currently Super Bowl contenders out of the AFC and Super Bowl LI is just over two months away.

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When the Patriots signed Martellus Bennett this offseason, a big reason was simply for insurance for the oft-injured Gronk. However, Bennett has trailed off as of late after a hot start. Subsequently, this New England team finds themselves in an incredibly tough spot now. They might truly be out as favorites to make and/or win the Super Bowl. Their defense has been an issue all year, but now not having their most indomitable offensive weapon puts them more behind the 8-ball.

Update – Dec. 1, 10 p.m. ET

The Patriots have confirmed that the expect Gronkowski to miss the rest of the season. That’s obviously a huge blow for this team and offense, which can’t be understated.

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