Rob Gronkowski broke forearm again, out for playoffs

Rob Gronkowski broke his forearm again and is out for the rest of the postseason, according to multiple reports.

Pro Football Talk first reported that Gronk would be out the rest of the playoffs and would need surgery after re-injuring his forearm in the first quarter of the Patriots’ division-round playoff game against the Texans on Sunday. Several other Patriots reporters confirmed the report and said that Gronk broke his forearm again.

Gronkowski was injured in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts. His forearm was broken on a fluke play while he was protecting on a routine extra point during a blowout win.

Gronk returned in Week 17 and caught two passes for 42 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Dolphins. Sunday’s playoff game was his second contest since returning from his injury. He hurt his arm diving for a pass in the first quarter and landing on it. He was in obvious pain, left the game, and did not return.

The injury is a major blow to the Patriots, who will attempt to win the Super Bowl without a healthy Gronk for the second year in a row. Last season, Gronk hurt his ankle in the AFC Championship Game and was nowhere near full-strength during the Super Bowl. You can’t help but think that the Patriots brought Gronk back before he was fully healed.

Photo via CJ Zero