According to various reports, Rob Gronkowski is going to have season-ending back surgery on Friday.
That’s obviously bad news for the 9-2 Patriots as they prepare for the stretch drive. And it’s worse news for Gronk himself, of course.
Hearing from #NFL sources that #Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski could be undergoing back surgery.
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) December 1, 2016
If this seems a bit sudden, there’s a reason for that:
#Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will have back surgery (as @viccarucci mentioned). Injury is worse than anticipated. It’s happening tomorrow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 1, 2016
#Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski thought he would return quickly. Instead, out several weeks. Team has already used its IR/designated to return
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 1, 2016
The injury for #Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is a herniated disc, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 1, 2016
Had it been a bulging disc, Gronk may have giggled himself into an aggravated injury. Regardless, the Patriots are going to be missing out on a massive source of production, in every sense:
#Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski has missed 18 games so far for injuries in 7 years. Still leads the league in receiving TDs with 68 in that time
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 1, 2016
Going a bit further into detail on that lost production, here’s this from NFL.com:
With Gronk: 31.2 PPG, 391.9 total YPG, 279.2 pass YPG
Without Gronk: 26.9 PPG, 382.6 total YPG, 252.4 pass YPGIn his 86 games with Gronkowski, Brady has a 104.5 passer rating with a 65.5 completion percentage. Brady’s numbers dip to 84.4 and 57.5 percent without Gronk.
Gronk’s rare combination of size and athletic ability make him a demon for linebackers, safeties or cornerbacks in coverage. Since entering the league, Gronk leads the NFL in TD receptions with 68. Earlier this year he set the Patriots all-time touchdown record with 69.
In Gronk’s absence Martellus Bennett is the logical next man up, but he’s also dealing with ankle and shoulder injuries. Brady will also lean on improving rookie Malcolm Mitchell — a receiver with hands the quarterback compared to Gronk’s earlier this year. Backfield pass catchers Dion Lewis and James White could also see an increased role as Josh McDaniels attempts to diversify his offense after losing its biggest matchup.
It’s a very tough point in the season to lose a player like Gronk. Not that there’s ever a good time for that to happen, but with five games left, they’ll probably have to adjust their offensive strategy.
Of course, these are the Patriots. They’ll probably sign an NBA D-League forward and turn him into an All-Pro tight end overnight.
[NFL.com]
