Gronkowski ruled out for rest of AFC title game with head injury

The New England Patriots ruled star tight end Rob Gronkowski out for the remainder of the AFC Championship Game due to a head injury.

Gronkowski took a hit to the head from Jacksonville Jaguars safety Barry Church near the end of the first half Sunday. He was evaluated by an independent neurologist during halftime and did not return for the second half.

His absence leaves the Patriots looking to overcome a deficit without their leader in regular-season receptions (69), yards (1,084), and touchdowns (8).