The Patriots offense takes another hit with the loss of Gronk for the stretch run and playoffs.
Rob Gronkowski placed on IR
Jared WickerhamWard defended the hit on Monday, turning the focus to the league’s policy on high hits. He has been fined multiple times by the league, saying that these type of knee injuries are a byproduct of forcing defensive players to be aware of where they’re hitting receivers.
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Read Article >Ward defends hit on Gronkowski
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY SportsWard, 26, told reporters, including Tom Reed of Cleveland.com, that the hit was a consequence of increased rules to protect the head of players:
• Debrief: Seeing clearly through the snow
Read Article >Gronkowski out for season
Jim RogashAt 10-3, the Patriots lead the AFC East by three games and currently sit in the AFC’s No. 2 seed. With a win this Sunday, New England would clinch its fifth straight division title.
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Read Article >Gronk has torn ACL, per report
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