Tight end may not return for rest of season, Patriots say

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski shared a post-surgery video to his Instagram account Friday night. Gronk had surgery Friday to fix a herniated disk in his lower back. The Patriots said in a statement Thursday night that the team doesn't expect him to return for the rest of the season, but a final determination would come after the results of the operation are known. WARNING: The video has some foul language. Viewer discretion is advised The Patriots said Gronkowski sustained a hit to the chest Nov. 13 against Seattle that resulted in a pulmonary contusion to his lung. He received medical clearance to return last week against the New York Jets and experienced significant back and leg pain. Gronkowski has missed three games this season. He has 25 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns. He also dealt with a hamstring injury in 2016. Gronkowski, who was the 2014 Comeback Player of the Year, has had a career that has been plagued by injuries. A second-round draft pick in 2010, he has had ankle and knee surgery once, and three operations on his forearm. He has missed 20 games in his career and played many others while not 100 percent. Gronkowski is a three-time All-Pro.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski shared a post-surgery video to his Instagram account Friday night.

Gronk had surgery Friday to fix a herniated disk in his lower back.

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The Patriots said in a statement Thursday night that the team doesn't expect him to return for the rest of the season, but a final determination would come after the results of the operation are known.

WARNING: The video has some foul language. Viewer discretion is advised



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The Patriots said Gronkowski sustained a hit to the chest Nov. 13 against Seattle that resulted in a pulmonary contusion to his lung. He received medical clearance to return last week against the New York Jets and experienced significant back and leg pain.

Gronkowski has missed three games this season. He has 25 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns. He also dealt with a hamstring injury in 2016.

Gronkowski, who was the 2014 Comeback Player of the Year, has had a career that has been plagued by injuries. A second-round draft pick in 2010, he has had ankle and knee surgery once, and three operations on his forearm.

He has missed 20 games in his career and played many others while not 100 percent.

Gronkowski is a three-time All-Pro.