AP

The good news for Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is that there are no broken bones in the ankle he injured in today’s game against the Cardinals. But the bad news is that he may be out a while.

PFT’s Mike Florio is reporting that Hernandez is out up to six weeks with the ankle injury he suffered today. Hernandez left the stadium in a protective boot and on crutches after today’s loss.

For the Patriots, that’s a big blow for a key cog in their offense: New England runs a base two-tight end formation with both Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski as starters, and not having Hernandez will limit what the Patriots can do offensively. Tom Brady never really got going after Hernandez left today’s game.

Injuries like this one are a reminder why players like Hernandez — who signed a long-term contract extension this summer — want to get their guaranteed money as soon as they can.