Allen Kee / ESPN Images(FOXBOROUGH, Mass.) – The Patriots expected the worst when tight end Rob Gronkowski went down with a back injury, and the bad news became a reality Saturday. The team placed the tight end on injured reserve following back surgery in Los Angeles on Friday, ending his season.
Gronkowksi has had a rough season injury-wise, playing in only eight games due to hamstring and lung injuries. He only caught 25 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns in those games.
Gronkowski’s injury was traced to the big hit he absorbed from Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas on Nov. 13. Running back DJ Foster will take Gronkowski’s spot on the 53-man roster.
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