Gronk looks to get back on track this season
Jared Wickerham | Getty Images |
When he’s healthy, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is nearly unstoppable, but injuries have plagued him throughout his career.
The 28-year-old played in all 16 games in each of the first two years of his career. Then in 2012, he broke his forearm in the 10th game of the season and returned in the season finale. It was in the divisional round of the playoffs when he broke his forearm again.
In 2013, Gronkowski’s forearm gave him even more problems. He suffered an infection and had to get two additional surgeries on it, causing him to miss the first six games that season. The tight end also had back surgery that offseason on a herniated disk. He played a limited role that year only to suffer a right ACL tear in the 13th game of the season.
The next two seasons were better for Gronk as he participated in all but one game in each of the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Then last year, his availability dipped back down. A preseason practice hamstring injury caused him to miss the first two games of the season. Later, he suffered a pulmonary contusion and a lower-back injury that limited him to only eight games in 2016.
The Patriots training camp gets underway tomorrow. Fans will get to see Gronkowski work alongside newly-acquired tight end Dwayne Allen to see if they can become a powerful combo this season.
When he’s on the field, some people question if he’s the best to ever play the position. So look for the all-star tight end to get things back on track and hopefully have another healthy, full season – because when Gronk’s on, Gronk’s on.
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