:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24799169/454329011.0.jpg)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has torn ACL and MCL ligaments in his knee following a low hit late in the team's game against the Cleveland Browns. Gronkowski was tackled with a helmet-to-knee hit, and a clean hit, but one similar to the hit that ended Miami Dolphins tight end Dustin Keller's year during the preseason.
Gronkowski is clearly a large part of the New England offense, and the loss of him for the season will have an impact on the team over the next three games. Gronkowski missed the first six games of the year as he recovered from multiple surgeries on the arm he broke last year, as well as back surgery. The Patriots averaged 11-points more per game with Gronkowski than they did whtout him. In the seven games he has played this year, quarterback Tom Brady targeted Gronkowski 67-times, nearly 10-passes heading his way per game. Gronkowski will finish the season with 39-receptions for 592-yards with four touchdowns.
The Miami Dolphins host the Patriots this upcoming Sunday. Miami is 7-6 on the season, in second place behind the 10-3 Patriots.
