The New England Patriots tried to keep hope alive with Rob Gronkowski's recovery, but gave that up on Saturday. The team officially placed the tight end on injured reserve, ending his season following back surgery. The injury reportedly goes back to a big hit he took in a Sunday night loss to the Seahawks on November 13th.
Gronk underwent surgery on Friday in Los Angeles, and even posted an Instagram video of his recovery, and seemed to be in high spirits. The Patriots wanted to wait until after the procedure to decide if they would try to have him back this season.
Surgery is nothing new for the tight end with a big personality, as he has undergone eight surgeries as an NFL player, including three on his back. He also had two surgeries done to repair herniated disks in his back during his college days at Arizona. Those procedures took place in 2009.
The 27-year-old attempted to come back after missing one game against the 49ers, but did not last long against the Jets in New York.
He finishes the season with 25 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns in eight games played. He did miss time with a hamstring injury earlier in the season. Now, the Patriots are left with Martellus Bennett and Matt Lengel at the tight end position for the remainder of the season, which they hope ends in yet another Super Bowl appearance.
Gronk underwent surgery on Friday in Los Angeles, and even posted an Instagram video of his recovery, and seemed to be in high spirits. The Patriots wanted to wait until after the procedure to decide if they would try to have him back this season.
Surgery is nothing new for the tight end with a big personality, as he has undergone eight surgeries as an NFL player, including three on his back. He also had two surgeries done to repair herniated disks in his back during his college days at Arizona. Those procedures took place in 2009.
The 27-year-old attempted to come back after missing one game against the 49ers, but did not last long against the Jets in New York.
He finishes the season with 25 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns in eight games played. He did miss time with a hamstring injury earlier in the season. Now, the Patriots are left with Martellus Bennett and Matt Lengel at the tight end position for the remainder of the season, which they hope ends in yet another Super Bowl appearance.
