Gronkowski likely to miss remainder of season after back surgery

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is having surgery for a herniated disk in his back and is likely to miss the remainder of the season.

Bill Belichick said at a news conference Friday morning he's "disappointed" to lose the tight end for the rest of the season.

Belichick praised Gronkowski's hard work on Friday and called the injury "unfortunate."

The three-time All-Pro is scheduled for surgery on a herniated disk in his back. The Patriots said he's likely to be out the rest of the season, but they will wait until after Friday's surgery to decide.

The Patriots confirmed the news Thursday when they released a joint statement from the team and the Gronkowski family:

"During the Seattle game on November 13, Rob sustained a hit to the chest that resulted in a pulmonary contusion to his lung.  Rob was examined by several specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital as directed by the team, as well as an independent physician. He received medical clearance to return to play two weeks later for the New York Jets game on November 27.  After a hit early in the Jets game, Rob began to experience significant back and leg pain.  This injury forced him to leave the game and he did not return.  With the help of the Patriots medical staff, along with the consultation of several medical experts, it has been determined that it is in Rob's best long-term interest to undergo surgery to address his lower back injury.  Rob is expected to have surgery tomorrow.  We do not expect that he will be able to play for the remainder of the 2016 season, but will await the results of tomorrow's surgery before making a final determination.  Rob has always been one of our hardest workers and was voted captain for the leadership he provides on our team. We are deeply saddened any time a player is lost to injury.  We are committed to assisting Rob throughout his recovery and look forward to his return to playing football for the New England Patriots.

Gronkowski has missed three games this season. He has 25 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns.

Gronkowski was injured during the Nov. 13 loss to the Seahawks on a hit from safety Earl Thomas. He called it "probably one of the hardest I've got hit in my career."

Gronkowski sat out the following week against San Francisco but played part of the first half last week in New England's win over the New York Jets.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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