The New England Patriots took a hit to perhaps their most important weapon, but they might have avoided a serious long-term loss.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski was carted off the field late in the fourth quarter of the Patriots’ 30-24 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos after he suffered a right knee injury. Broncos safety Darian Stewart hit Gronkowski low on an incomplete pass from Tom Brady .
But initial tests showed Gronkowski did not suffer a serious injury, a person with knowledge of the situation said, speaking on condition of anonymity because details were to remain private.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick had no update on Gronkowski. When asked how team will adjust to losing another key weapon, he said, "I don't know."
The Patriots’ offense is already playing without receivers Julian Edelman (foot, out indefinitely), Danny Amendola (ankle, could return next week) and Aaron Dobson (ankle, injured reserve), and running back Dion Lewis (knee, IR).
"He's the best tight end in football. It's so hard to see guys get hurt like that," Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said at his postgame news conference.
Gronkowski did not speak to reporters following the game.