Patriots’ Gronkowski on IR after season-ending back surgery

More than likely the Patriots will place Gronkowski on (IR) Injured Reserve, which would officially end his season regardless of the surgery. The margin of error becomes ever slimmer against top competition in the postseason, and Gronkowski’s absence could make a difference.

News was handed down Saturday that confirmed what New England Patriots fans were expecting. Tom Brady will pick a random practice squad receiver to morph into a superstar.

It was unclear on what play Gronkowski was hurt.

This season, Gronkowski returned to action Sunday after missing the team’s game against the Niners the week before because of a chest injury.

Whatever the case may be, a former Patriots doctor painted a rather grim outlook of Gronkowski’s future by hinting his best days might be long behind him for reasons that extend far beyond the Madden Curse. He also had a herniated disc repaired in 2013 while with the Patriots. Since Fisher last coached a team to the playoffs – Tennessee, in 2008 – Belichick has made seven playoff appearances, won a Super Bowl and reached the AFC title game three other times. They would have most definitely used this on Gronkowski if they had known he had a chance of returning this season. The Patriots have a two-game lead over Miami in the AFC East, but the Dolphins are charging so the Patriots can’t afford a lull.

It’s official – the New England Patriots will be without Rob Gronkowski for the remainder of the season. The Patriots have some wiggle room, but still have little room for major errors without Gronkowski being able to come save the day.

The Patriots are almost two-touchdown favorites for Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Rams.

“This year, no”, said Dr. Andrew Hecht, the chief of spine surgery for the Mount Sinai Health System in NY and a member of the NFL’s Neck and Spine Committee. Louis Rams in the 2001 season, but a victory Sunday would be the 201st of Brady’s career as a starter, pushing him past Peyton Manning and into the top spot among all National Football League quarterbacks.

Over the course of the 47 games in which Gronkowski was fully healthy, the Patriots are 36-11 (.766) and averaged 32.0 points per game.

Brady generally does not recognize the records he is amassing as his career progresses through its 17th season, and he only tangentially acknowledged the possibility of becoming the all-time winningest quarterback.

They are coming off a 49-21 loss to New Orleans where quarterback Drew Brees threw for four touchdowns, and running backs Mark Ingram and Tim Hightower combined for 197 rushing yards and 75 receiving yards. This is seventh in the NFL.