Skip to content

Report: Gronkowski to undergo back surgery, expected to miss 8 weeks

Scott Halleran / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski will undergo back surgery Friday, a source told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.

The extent of Gronkowski's injury wasn't disclosed, but league sources told Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News that the tight end suffered a ruptured disk and is expected to miss eight weeks.

It was initially believed the back injury wouldn't cause him to miss time, but further evaluation appears to have revealed the superstar, who left during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the New York Jets, required surgery.

Gronkowski also suffered a punctured lung on Nov. 13 against the Seattle Seahawks, after safety Earl Thomas delivered an open-field blow.

Martellus Bennett is slated to gain more touches as a result of his injury.

Fantasy Fallout: Get back on the Martellus Bennett bandwagon with Gronkowski out

Based on the eight-week timeline, it's possible Gronkowski could be ready for the AFC Championship Game, if the Patriots haven't been eliminated.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox