New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has seen his fair share of injuries over the years, and unfortunately this season has been no different. Gronkowski has missed three games this season and has accumulated 32 catches, 504 yards, and two touchdowns this season.

Ryan Hanable of WEEI Sports Radio Network discussed what ESPN's Jeff Darlington had originally reported in terms of Gronk's injuries. Darlington stated:

“Gronkowski is still dealing with back and ankle injuries. He was eventually taken off the injury report this week, but after speaking with several sources this is still something to watch when it comes to Gronkowski down the stretch,” he said on ESPN's NFL Countdown Sunday. “I am told Gronkowski is still dealing with some hardships when it comes to dealing with the rigors of The Patriot Way and the rigors and the beating that his body is taking.”

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It seems that Gronk was onto something last season when he thought of retirement as it appears the injuries are really taking a toll on the veteran tight end. Darlington added:

“Last year at this time it was a similar situation that led to a lot of those questions in the offseason. We’re now back in a situation where Gronkowski is quite frankly very tired, but Tom Brady believes that this a team that now has a bunch of different weapons on the field at the same time and that could change things. So while Gronkowski might be feeling the effects of the season now, if they can get some momentum with other weapons on the field, everything the Patriots believe could potentially change.”

The Patriots' offense is leaps and bounds better with Gronk on the field even if he is simply not being primarily showcased in a particular game. If the Patriots hope to make another Super Bowl appearance they will likely need Gronkowski on the field for the remainder of the season. Hopefully, Gronk has experienced the last of his setbacks earlier in the season and he can proceed fully healthy.