Gronkowski Breaks Forearm

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Monday, November 19, 2012

Scott Cordischi, GoLocalWorcester Sports Editor

Bad news for the Patriots.

All-Pro TE Rob Gronkowski suffered a broken forearm in the team's win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday according to multiple reports.

According to a report on ESPN.com, the injury occurred with 3:55 to play in the 4th quarter when Gronk was blocking for the Patriots extra point following their final touchdown of the game.

There will be no word from the tight-lipped Patriots coming anytime soon. However, assuming this is true, it raises two BIG questions:

1.) Why was Gronkowski in the game during garbage time?

2.) How long will it be before he returns?

The only person who can answer the first question is Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Having taken a 52-24 lead with 9:05 to play, that would have seemed like a logical time to take a few star players out of the game like Tom Brady, for one.

You could also argue that Gronkowski should have been removed around that time as well given the fact that he continues to be listed as "questionable" on the team's weekly injury report with a hip injury.

Instead, Belichick rolled the dice and it would appear that he crapped out with Gronk.

The answer to the second question is more difficult.

Rodney Harrison said on NBC Sunday night that it took him 6 weeks to heal his broken forearm which was suffered in the teams Super Bowl 38 win over the Carolina Panthers in Houston. Harrison said he had trouble sleeping when he first sustained the injury.

Others believe that a player can return within a matter of 3-4 weeks from such an injury playing with a cast if neccessary.

In any case, it would apear that there is plenty of time for Gronkowski to heal for the postseason which is still 7 weeks away.

In the meantime, Aaron Hernandez appears to be closer to returning from his high ankle sprain and the team also has Daniel Fells, Visanthe Shiancoe and Michael Hoomanawanui to hold down the fort at the tight end spot until Gronk returns.

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