Say It Ain't So - Gronk/Jones

After the game I was just so hyped on the 59 point performance that I went out. Little did I know that the fates of Patriot Nation hung on the results of an X-ray. The injury in question, Rob Gronkowski's forearm. And yep, its broken. Prognosis: OUT for 4-6 weeks. "That's a bummer man, that's a bummer."

There is no single player in the world that can adequately replace The Gronk. It just won't happen with a 1-to-1 swap. Hoomanawanui, Fells, Shiancoe, and Hernandez are all vastly different talents, and none of them are The Gronk. Fells may block like Gronk, but he's not a threat to catch the ball down the seam. Hoomanawanui and Shiancoe just don't block like Fells and Gronk. Needless to say, The Patriots will miss The Gronk. Hopefully Hernandez is ready to go once again. That would cushion the blow of this injury slightly.

If there is any positive spin on this injury, its that it didn't happen in week 17. Even if Gronkowski misses the full 6 weeks, he should be back for the playoffs. Having him out of the lineup is a significant downgrade in talent, but at least its not more serious. Gronk's bones probably heal faster than normal humans too, so let's just be thankful. It could be worse.

On a similar note, Chandler Jones left yesterday's game with an apparently leg/ankle injury. I haven't heard much on that front, but I am sure its not good news. Jones did not return in the game, so the injury must be one that could have been reaggravated if he plays on it. My guess is that caution will keep him out of Thursday's game against The Jets. Let's all hope that's the extent of his missed time though. He walked off under his own power, but I am still holding my breath on this one.