Skip to main content

Rob Gronkowski did not get injections in knee

Rob Gronkowski's knee issue could be a concern for the New England Patriots this weekend, but he's not expected to be sidelined for Saturday's Divisional Round contest against the Kansas City Chiefs.

ESPN.com reported that the star tight end spent part of Thursday at a Boston hospital receiving an injection in his injured right knee, but NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Gronk did not receive any injections, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. He's been undergoing treatment and is expected to be suit up Saturday.

The Patriots amended the injury report Thursday to also include a back injury for Gronkowski.

Gronkowski practiced on Monday, sat out Tuesday, was a limited participant on Wednesday and was sidelined again Thursday. Patriots coach Bill Belichick was predictably vague when asked about Gronkowski's status ahead of Saturday's tilt.

"We'll list the players after practice like we do every day," Belichick said.

Gronkowski injured his right knee in a Nov. 29 loss to the Broncos and missed one week of action. He appeared to have moved past the injury, however, and hadn't been on the Patriots' injury report in recent weeks.

Gronkowski was a full-time player in the Pats' most recent game, playing 55 of 60 snaps in a Week 17 loss to the Dolphins. We still expect to see the All-Pro on the field against the Chiefs, but it's fair to wonder if the playmaker will be close to 100 percent.