$Gronk could be sidelined multiple weeks with fractured ribs?$

Rob Gronkowski's return to New England alongside Tom Brady was supposed to be a major storyline for this weekend's game. Now it's unclear if he'll ever have the opportunity to take the Gillette Stadium field again. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Gronkowski could be sidelined for multiple weeks with fractured ribs?

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 10/2/21

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski might be sidelined longer than expected.

Gronkowski reportedly suffered multiple fractured ribs in last weekend's loss to the Los Angeles Rams and could be sidelined for multiple weeks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Bucs’ TE Rob Gronkowski suffered multiple fractured ribs last Sunday that threaten to sideline him for multiple weeks, sources tell ESPN.

Initial X-rays were clean but follow up MRIs were not. “We held out hope all week he’d be ready,” said one source. “He’s a different breed.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2021

Gronkowski has already been ruled out for Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots.

The 32-year-old has been one of the best tight ends in football this season, catching 16 passes for 184 yards and four touchdowns in three games.

Gronkowski's return to New England alongside Tom Brady was supposed to be a major storyline for this weekend's game. Now it's unclear if he'll ever have the opportunity to take the Gillette Stadium field again.

If Gronkowski misses multiple weeks, the Bucs will have to rely on O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate at tight end. Howard has two catches for 32 yards this season and Brate has five catches for 43 yards.

After traveling to New England this weekend, the Buccaneers will take on the Miami Dolphins before facing the Philadelphia Eagles.

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