When I saw Gronk stand up and bend/stretch his injured knee several times before sitting on the cart, I had a little hope that he didn’t actually sustain any ligament damage. Also, I was clinging to the fact that his leg was "whippped" in mid-air (usually causing a sprain), and wasn't planted on the turf. Thankfully, it seems like it was merely a severe sprain/bruise/hyper-extension. The game’s best offensive player allegedly walked out of the stadium without crutches, assistance from trainers, or much of a limp. It seems as if the big fella should be OK in a few weeks. Here’s some encouraging footage of him walking around the locker room last night…
[video=youtube;lBzrEPfiTVc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBzrEPfiTVc[/video]
Gronk is only 69 yards from another 1,000-yard season. It’s not inconceivable that he’ll return and get the required yardage in the final weeks, but if he’s not 100%, keeping your best player out until the playoffs makes sense.
Despite the fact that I loathe the Denver Blackos, I’m actually not too upset about the Pats losing this game. The added pressure of an undefeated season isn’t something an injury-riddled, defending Superbowl champion team needs. As long as they secure the #1 seed, home field advantage, and Gronk/Edelman/Amendola return to full strength, I’ll feel better about their chances in the AFC.