The New England Patriots are fielding tons of questions about defensive end Chandler Jones, after he was hospitalized over the weekend following a bad reaction to synthetic marijuana, but their real problem has nothing to do with Jones.
He was back at practice this week, while tight end Rob Gronkowski wasn’t. Gronkowski, Tom Brady’s No. 1 option in the passing game, was in the hospital Thursday receiving a pain injection in his injured right knee, per ESPN. Gronk hurt the knee in Week 12 vs. the Broncos, and missed the next game (Week 14) before returning earlier than expected. He reportedly aggravated the injury in Week 15 vs. the Titans, but continued playing through the end of the regular season, with a No. 1 seed in sight.
Belichick Doesn't Want To Answer Chandler Jones Questions
Gronkowski led the Patriots in targets (120), receptions (72), receiving yards (1,176), touchdowns (11) and yards from scrimmage (1,176). Aside from Brady playing the maestro, Gronkowski is the Pats’ offense. When WR Julian Edelman broke his foot, he was replaced adequately by Danny Amendola. The Patriots have lost their best receiving back (Dion Lewis) and gotten production from James White, and filled in LeGarrette Blount with veteran Steven Jackson.
They lost to the Broncos when Gronkowski got hurt, however, dropping their first game of the year. He was less effective than usual in back-to-back losses to the Jets and Dolphins as well, proving his worth. If Gronkowski is not 100 percent vs. the Chiefs, winners of 11 straight games coming into the Divisional playoffs tilt, New England is in far worse shape than if Chandler Jones had missed the game.
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
New England Patriots Rumors: Rob Gronkowski, Not Chandler Jones, Is The Biggest Issue In Foxboro [VIDEO]
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
