Pats Pulpit - Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski Breaks Forearm, Undergoes SurgeryPats Pulpit: A New England Patriots Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51321/pp-fav.png2012-12-16T09:03:18-05:00http://www.patspulpit.com/rss/stream/34307272012-12-16T09:03:18-05:002012-12-16T09:03:18-05:00Rob Gronkowski Could Play Tonight
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<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
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<p>According to a report, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski could surprise and play against the 49ers tonight. Is it worth the risk?</p> <p>Despite practicing on Friday and being listed as questionable on the injury report, not many expected <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> tight end <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> to play in tonight's week 15 match-up against the San Fransisco <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a>. That being said,<a target="_blank" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/16/door-opens-on-gronkowski-playing-tonight/"> ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio is reporting this morning </a>that the door has opened for a Gronkowski return:</p>
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<p>When Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski landed on the final injury report as questionable to play on Sunday against the 49ers (along with 18 other Patriots), the initial word we received from a source with knowledge of the situation was that Gronkowski would not play only four weeks after fracturing his forearm.</p>
<p>Now, it's not quite so clear.</p>
<p>The same source says that, while it remains unlikely Gronkowski plays, his toughness and determination could result in an unexpected appearance on Sunday night.</p>
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<p>It looks like it's going to be a tough call. And even if Rob Gronkowski wants to play, remember he would still have to be cleared by team doctors. If re-injury is a possibility, even if remote, I don't think anyone wants to see Gronkowski pushing himself. Tonight's game is certainly the Patriots' toughest remaining task. But regardless of what happens tonight as the Patriots jockey for playoff position, they've already booked their ticket to the dance. And having Rob Gronkowski healthy for the postseason is more important than having him for one regular season game, no matter who the opponent is.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/16/3772510/rob-gronkowski-could-play-tonightGreg Knopping2012-12-14T00:26:22-05:002012-12-14T00:26:22-05:00Gronkowski Still Not Practicing
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<figcaption>Elsa</figcaption>
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<p>Despite rumors that began circulating as early as this past weekend, TE Rob Gronkowski has yet to return to the practice field. Gronkowski underwent surgery for a broken forearm on November 19.</p> <p>Much like a child who forgoes sleep anticipating gifts on Christmas day, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> will have to wait just a little bit longer to open their tinsel-wrapped tight end. Early in the week, a handful of media outlets reported the likelihood of <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> returning to practice this week as the team prepares for its Sunday Night Football contest against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a>.</p>
<p>The Globe's Shalise Manza Young tweeted just as much:</p>
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<p><br>@shalisemyoung according to a league source, Rob Gronkowski is expected to try to practice this week. Gronkowski underwent surgery on his broken arm Nov 19</p>
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<p><br>The NFL.com's Albert Breer reported that Gronkowski had told several close acquaintances of his desire to return to the field during the Patriots' two-week primetime slate:</p>
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<p>Breer said Tuesday night on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access" that Gronk had told people close to him he wanted to come back during this two-game stretch of prime-time games, but it was "unlikely" to happen. With games against the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> and <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> to end the season, the Patriots could be careful with when they bring him back, according to Breer.</p>
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<p><br>Adam Schefter then reported that the team's plan all along was to have Gronkowski return for the regular season finale at home against the Miami Dolphins as a type of primer for the playoffs. Any practice in the meantime would be moot:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, via Evan Silva, the Patriots plan on having tight end Rob Gronkowski play in their final game of the regular season a tune up for the playoffs. Gronkowski was out on the practice field today to likely get the rest of his body back into shape</p>
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<p><br><br>Gronkowski, up to this point, has missed both <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4736396/love-limited-in-return-gronk-still-dnp">Wednesday and Thursday's practices</a>, all but dashing any hopes that he'd be able to suit up this weekend.</p>
<p><br>Whichever school of thought you choose to subscribe to, it can't be ignored that the Patriots find themselves in a unique and incredibly fortunate situation. Since Gronkowski has been sidelined with a broken forearm, the Patriots have won all three games. Better yet, they've ripped through their games at an absolutely torrid pace, scoring an average of 38 points a contest. It'd be difficult to explain exactly why the team hasn't skipped a single beat despite losing one of their most prolific playmakers and better run blockers, but they've earned the right to err on the side of caution and allow Gronkowski more than enough time to appropriately recuperate. While jockeying for final playoff positioning is important, prematurely rushing any player back from injury right before the postseason push would be foolish.</p>
<p><br>Sunday's game marks exactly four weeks since Gronkowski suffered the injury, which lies on the earliest side of the estimated 4-to-6 week timetable we've heard being kicked around that signifies his eventual return to the football field.</p>
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<p><b>UPDATE: (12/14/12 12:18 p.m. est)</b>: Rob Gronkowski was spotted at the beginning of Friday's practice which includes in-stadium workouts and light agility drills. While this bodes well for his availability going forward, it still remains highly unlikely that Gronkowski will be available to play this Sunday night.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/14/3765126/gronkowski-still-not-practicingAdam Fox2012-11-22T09:04:39-05:002012-11-22T09:04:39-05:00The Tight End Position: Beyond Hernandez and Gronk
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<figcaption>Jim Rogash</figcaption>
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<p>Taking a closer look at the depth at the tight end position for the Patriots beyond Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> tight end <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> will be out for at least the next month or probably more, we know that. <span>Aaron Hernandez</span>, more of a "flex" tight end than a traditional in-line tight end, could return for tonight's Thanksgiving match-up against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>. However, even if he does return, there's a question of exactly how much he can contribute - as he could see a limited role.</p>
<p>The Patriots did a nice job this offseason building up depth at tight end beyond the big two. But who are these "expendables"? Lets take a look:</p>
<h4><b><span>Visanthe Shiancoe</span></b></h4>
<p>At age 32, Shiancoe is the oldest tight end on the Patriots roster. He spent the first four years of his career with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> after being drafted out of Morgan State in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft by the Giants. After the Giants, Shiancoe enjoyed his most successful years of his career playing for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>, including a 56 catch, 11 touchdown season in 2009. With Rob Gronkowski out, Shiancoe is likely to assume many of his duties. He's an adequate in-line blocker, and should still be affective as a receiver. While he didn't record a catch in his first two games as a Patriot, he showed that he still has both the downfield athleticism and agility to be a factor in the passing game.</p>
<h4><b><span>Michael Hoomanawanui</span></b></h4>
<p><b></b>With Rob Gronkowski out, the 24 year old 6'4" 263 lbs Illinois product Michael Hoomanawanui instantly becomes the Patriots best blocking tight end. Although buried on a deep depth chart, Hoomanawanui has found ways to contribute to the team this year - whether it be as a lead blocking fullback or an in-line tight end on the goal line. He has just two catches on the year, but I could see him contributing a lot more in the wake of Gronkowski's injury. If Hernandez is forced to sit at some point and the Patriots still want to run two tight ends, I could see a scenario in which the Patriots run Shiancoe at the flex, and Hoomanawanui at the traditional "y" tight end spot.</p>
<h4><b><span>Daniel Fells</span></b></h4>
<p>In recent weeks, Fells has become the forgotten man on the Patriots' tight end depth chart. Even with Aaron Hernandez still out against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>, Fells was a healthy scratch behind Hoomanawanui and Shiancoe. Fells does have one amazing play on the year - a leaping, diving deep catch against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> in week six - but hasn't made a play since. He does a lot of things okay, but doesn't really stand out in any one area. So far, he hasn't lived up to that sizable three year deal the Patriots gave him in the offseason. But if Aaron Hernandez misses time in addition to Gronkowski, he could see some snaps, and could have a chance to rebound his season.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/11/22/3679376/the-tight-end-position-beyond-hernandez-and-gronkowskiGreg Knopping2012-11-19T12:36:00-05:002012-11-19T12:36:00-05:00Aaron Hernandez Expected Thursday for Patriots
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<figcaption>Otto Greule Jr</figcaption>
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<p>The Patriots received some good news in the aftermath of the Rob Gronkowski injury - tight end Aaron Hernandez is expected back on Thursday.</p> <p>In the aftermath of the <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> injury, one of the biggest immediate questions was if <span>Aaron Hernandez</span> would continue to be out as well.</p>
<p>Without Hernandez, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> offense would be forced to play primarily from three receiver sets, and would lose a lot of their versatility and explosiveness. Nonetheless, we have a bit of good news, as<a target="new" href="http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2012/11/what_gronkowski.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter"> Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe is reporting </a>that Aaron Hernandez is expected back for Thursday's game against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a>:</p>
<blockquote>The Patriots should be able to get a stranglehold on the division with a victory against the Jets on Thursday. Aaron Hernandez (ankle) is expected back for that game. The Patriots held him out today because the short turnaround for Thursday probably wouldn’t have been possible.</blockquote>
<p>Having Hernandez back should help absorb some of the impact of Gronkowski's loss as a receiver. Of course, Hernandez is a completely different player than Gronkowski and doesn't even play the same "position" really, but he will help add a dynamic option to the passing attack if he does return. The Patriots will still need to replace Gronkowski the blocker - and I'd expect <span>Visanthe Shiancoe</span>, <span>Daniel Fells</span>, and <span>Michael Hoomanawanui</span> to help there.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/11/19/3666756/rob-gronkowski-aftermath-aaron-hernandez-expected-back-thursdayGreg Knopping2012-11-19T11:58:49-05:002012-11-19T11:58:49-05:00Rob Gronkowski is Expected to Miss 4-to-8 Weeks
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<figcaption>Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent surgery on his left forearm Sunday morning and is expected to miss four-to-eight weeks. </p> <p>After breaking his left forearm in Sunday's 59-24 victory over the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indianapolis Colts</a>, tight end <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> underwent surgery Monday morning and is expected to miss four-to-eight weeks, according to <a href="http://www.csnne.com/football-new-england-patriots/patriots-talk/Gronkowski-to-miss-4-to-8-weeks-followin?blockID=803805&feedID=3352">Tom E. Curran</a> of Comcast Sportsnet New England.</p>
<p>Gronkowski broke his left forearm on New England's final extra-point attempt against the Colts.</p>
<p>If Gronk can make it back in four weeks, he'll be ready to play Week 16 against the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>—which some might figure is a meaningless game.</p>
<p>So the best case scenario would be Gronk returning Week 16 against the Jags with only one game remaining against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a>.</p>
<p>I'd like to believe that Gronk would end up just being rested those two games, as they're against two very beatable opponents and the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> could possibly already have a playoff spot locked up.</p>
<p>The only way that I see Gronk playing those two final games is if the Patriots can somehow leap-frog the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a> for the top spot of the AFC or even improve their playoff seeding.</p>
<p>If you ask me, I don't expect to see Gronk back on the field until the first game of the playoffs for the Patriots.</p>
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<p><b>Any questions about this article? Ask me on Twitter!</b></p>
<p> </p>
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https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/11/19/3666532/rob-gronkowski-underwent-surgery-monday-and-will-miss-4-to-8-weeksTony Santorsa2012-11-18T21:28:49-05:002012-11-18T21:28:49-05:00Pats Tight End Rob Gronkowski Has a Broken Forearm
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<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
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<p>Following New England's 59-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots received some pretty devastating news as tight end Rob Gronkowski has reportedly broken his forearm.</p> <p>Following New England's impressive 59-24 victory over <span>Andrew Luck</span> and the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indianapolis Colts</a>, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> received some pretty crushing news:</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://twitter.com/tomecurran/status/270347105401458690">Tom E. Curran</a> of Comcast Sportsnet New England, tight end <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> has broken his forearm.</p>
<p>Gronkowski left Sunday's game late in the fourth quarter to head into the locker room to have x-rays done on his forearm—which is apparently broken.</p>
<p>Early indications are suggesting that Gronk will be out four-to-six weeks, according to <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/11/18/nfl-fantasy-football-rob-gronkowski-out-4-6-weeks/">Ian Rapoport</a> of NFL Network.</p>
<p>Gronkowski finished Sunday's game with seven receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns.</p>
<p>Aside from quarterback <span>Tom Brady</span>, Gronkowski is arguably the most valuable player on New England's roster—this is probably the most devastating news that the Patriots could have received following their absolute domination of the Colts.</p>
<p>Gronkowski has now recorded 10 touchdown receptions in each of the last three seasons, which is an NFL record, as he became the first player to record double digit touchdown receptions in three consecutive seasons.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;"><b>Any questions about this article? Send them via Twitter!</b></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/TonySantorsa" target="_blank" style="outline: 0px; color: #003366; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Follow <span class=" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"></a></p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/11/18/3664260/breaking-news-patriots-tight-end-rob-gronkowski-has-a-broken-forearmTony Santorsa