The New England Patriots’ tight end, Rob Gronkowski, has torn the ACL in his right knee, a result of his collision with T.J. Ward of the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Gronkowski now faces a long road of rehab, and the Patriots will have to quickly readjust to the loss of their star player.
A personnel executive with an AFC team told USA Today that Gronkowski’s absence is a “huge loss” for the Patriots, calling him the “port in the storm.”
However, quarterback Tom Brady is not convinced that the team will take a big hit. “I think we all feel sorry for Rob,” Brady said, “but I don’t think anyone feels sorry for the Patriots.” It is assumed that Brady will rely more on other players in upcoming games. “He will probably ask more of young receivers,” an NFL executive said.
Meanwhile, Gronkowski will have to undergo his sixth surgery since signing his contract with the team in June 2012. He will be replaced by D.J Williams for the rest of the season.
