Patriots say Rob Gronkowski expected to miss rest of season

The New England Patriots announced on Thursday night that Rob Gronkowski is expected to miss the rest of the season because of back surgery.

The Pats issued a press release to explain the status of Gronk, who is set to undergo surgery Friday. The team explained what led to the decision:

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.

The Pats said that Gronk is not expected to return this season, but they will wait until after the surgery to make the determination. The team also made it clear that Gronk was medically cleared to return to action for the Jets game, where he suffered the back injury. Gronk previously had suffered a punctured lung against the Seahawks two weeks before the back injury.

The loss of Gronk will be a huge blow to the Pats, especially considering initial reports suggested the tight end’s injury was not serious. But the Pats won games without Gronk to start the season and will just have to go back to winning games without him again. Fellow tight end Martellus Bennett will have to be ready for a larger role.