Report: Gronk To Have Back Surgery

The New England Patriots got a heavy dose of bad news today, when reports came out that the team's All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski will be forced to undergo back surgery. 

Gronkowski, who left the team's 22-17 win over the New York Jets after only a couple of plays, was considered to have had a minor back injury that would not cause a prolonged absence for the dynamic tight end.

However, multiple reports came out today that the injury-prone offensive weapon will have to undergo emergency surgery for a ruptured disc.

The timetable for Gronk's return is about eight weeks, which would put him out until around the time of the Super Bowl.

Even if the Patriots get that far without him, however, it is extremely unlikely that Gronkowski will hit the field again this season.