Rob Gronkowski Out For Season

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Rob Gronkowski's injury woes have continued, his family and the Patriots confirmed.

After a day of reports, the team and family announced that the tight end's back injury is worse than expected, and Gronkowski is expected to have surgery tomorrow. There is no official timeline for a return, but it's not looking good for the Patriots star.

"We do not expect that he will be able to play for the remainder of the 2016 season, but will await the results of tomorrow's surgery before making a final determination," the statement read. " Rob has always been one of our hardest workers and was voted captain for the leadership he provides on our team. We are deeply saddened any time a player is lost to injury. We are committed to assisting Rob throughout his recovery and look forward to his return to playing football for the New England Patriots."

It's been an injury-filled season for Gronkowski, who has missed games and been limited throughout the season. After sitting out the first two games of the year, he played few downs in the next two due to a hamstring injury. After suffering a pulmonary contusion to his lung in a game against the Seattle Seahawks, Gronkowski was left home for the following week's match against the San Francisco 49ers.

He left Sunday's game against the Jets after landing hard and feeling back and leg pain. Initial reports said the injury was not serious, but speculation began following his absence at a Children's Hospital event Tuesday night. The team and family says he was medically cleared to play.
According to Wednesday's injury report, Gronkowski didn't practice due to a back injury.

This season, Gronkowski has 25 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns.

Sadly, the injury continues the Madden Curse trend where injuries, suspensions, and subpar seasons follow those who end up on the cover of the popular video game series. Examples include Drew Brees 2011 season where he played with a hurt knee; Peyton Hillis' poor 2012 campaign; and most notably, Michael Vick, who suffered a fractured right fibula five days after Madden NFL 2004 was released.

Photo credit: New England Patriots

By Daniel Libon (Patch Staff)