Rob Gronkowski Was Forced To The Locker Room After A Helmet-To-Helmet Hit


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The New England Patriots are devastating even without Rob Gronkowski on the field but, in short, Tom Brady and company take things to another level when the All-Pro tight end is available. With that as the backdrop, Gronkowski was forced to the sideline and evaluated for a concussion late in the second quarter during the AFC Championship Game.

The hit that sent him off the field was a helmet-to-helmet collision with Jacksonville Jaguars safety Barry Church, who was flagged for a 15-yard penalty.

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Following the hit, the Patriots announced that Gronkowski was questionable to return and word broke that he was undergoing concussion tests that spread into the third quarter as the rest of the team trekked back onto the field.

The NFL’s concussion protocol has repeatedly come under fire in recent weeks and this is a high-profile instance for the public to weigh in, especially through the prism of a top-flight player in a playoff atmosphere. Given the “questionable” designation, the door is presumably open for Gronkowski to return but, if he does, it is safe to assume that many concerns and inquiries will be voiced in the aftermath.

Stay tuned as more information becomes available with regard to Gronkowski and the rest of the AFC Championship Game.