Rob Gronkowski could miss next week's game
Not only will Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski miss Sunday's game against New Orleans, but he could be out of commission for one more week.
According to a report form Pro Football Talk, Gronkowski is expected to miss one more game "at most." Gronkowski is recovering from a twice-broken arm that also suffered an infection.
An ESPN report surfaced overnight that stated various Patriots players were upset that Gronkowski was practicing but unable to play on game day. Gronkowsi reportedly has practiced well and has received the approval of Patriots doctors to play.
But Gronkowski sought a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who decided it would be best for Gronkowski to sit this week out.
It's important to note that practices are different than game action. Teams do not tackle to the ground in practice and there are limitations on contact in the collective bargaining agreement. While Gronkowski could be practicing well, he's likely concerned about his arm and whether it's ready to absorb the kind of contact that's inevitible on Sundays.
For Gronkowski, he doesn't need to worry about what the Patriots — coaches, players and front office — want him to do. It should be about what's best for his long-term health so that he can have a viable career for years to come.
If someone as well-respected as Dr. Andrews advises Gronkowski not to play, then it's clear he should sit.
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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.
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This story originally appeared on Nationalfootballpost.com
