Rob Gronkowski was only supposed to miss one game after tweaking his back against the Jets but the Patriots got some bad news today. 

The Patriots got some bad news today regarding tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski needs back surgery and is going to miss the next eight weeks recovering from surgery to repair a herniated disc.

The Patriots thought Gronkowski may only miss a game but as it turns out, his injury is way worse than originally thought.  

It begs the question, did the Patriots rush him back? Should he have played against the Jets? I don’t think he should have but I see why Bill Belichick played him. It’s hard to sit your second best player when he’s been cleared by team doctors. 

So, where do the Patriots go from here? Well, obviously Martellus Bennett will slide into the starting role with third string tight end Matt Lengel assuming the second tight end role in 12 personnel. 

Fullback Mike Devlin will play a bigger role in the offense. The Patriots will probably utilize more 21 personnel formations and play with two backs.

Either way you slice it, this is a major blow to the Patriots Super Bowl chances. Could they get there without Gronkowski ? Sure, but the road just got bumpier. 

With all of the speculation this week surrounding Bart Scott’s comments that Gronk’s days with the Patriots are numbered, now we will see what life is going to be like without Gronkowski in a Patriots uniform. 

Sadly, we know that feeling all too well.