Gronkowski, who saw the field for just the second time Sunday since breaking his forearm in mid-November, broke it again in New England's Divisional Round playoff victory over the Houston Texans, according to NFL.com and ProFootballTalk.com. (photo: WBUR, Flickr)
The third-year Patriot went down in the first quarter and will reportedly need surgery on the forearm, which will end his (post)season for good.
As expected, Patriots coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady wouldn't elaborate on the injury after the game, but both were likely aware of the severity of it despite playing dumb.
Losing a player of Gronkowski's caliber always hurts, but the presence of fellow standout tight end Aaron Hernandez, along with a handful of role depth players, provides a luxury no other team in the NFL has.
Gronkowski, the best tight end in football, was impaired by a sprained ankle in the playoffs last year and had surgery on it after a loss to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.
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