Patriots expect Gronkowski to miss remainder of season after back surgery

Rob Gronkowski's chances of returning to action at any point this season appear to be slim.

The New England Patriots released a statement updating the status of the star tight end on Thursday, confirming reports of an upcoming back surgery and adding the expectation that he'll be out for the rest of the year.

From the team's official release:

During the Seattle game on November 13, Rob sustained a hit to the chest that resulted in a pulmonary contusion to his lung. Rob was examined by several specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital as directed by the team, as well as an independent physician. He received medical clearance to return to play two weeks later for the New York Jets game on November 27. After a hit early in the Jets game, Rob began to experience significant back and leg pain. This injury forced him to leave the game and he did not return. With the help of the Patriots medical staff, along with the consultation of several medical experts, it has been determined that it is in Rob’s best long-term interest to undergo surgery to address his lower back injury. Rob is expected to have surgery tomorrow. 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. 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.

Confirmation of such a recovery timeline would, of course, be a massive loss for the Patriots both in the coming weeks and in the playoffs that will follow.

New England remains firmly entrenched among the league's elite teams, but the Tom Brady-led offense is certainly all the more difficult to defend with one of the NFL's all-time great tight ends streaking downfield.

The 27-year-old was his typical dominant self when healthy this season, hauling in 25 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns across eight appearances.

Martellus Bennett will step into a role as the top tight end starting Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran pass-catcher has been quick to carve out a role for himself since landing with the Patriots in an offseason trade from the Chicago Bears, as he enters Week 13 with 42 receptions for 540 yards and four scores in 11 appearances.