Rob Gronkowski’s Knee Injury Spotlights NFL’s Surge in ACL Tears
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Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots is among at least 41 National Football League players who have had a season-ending knee injury this season, a 64 percent increase from 2011 that comes as defenders have sought to avoid penalties and fines for hits to the head.
Gronkowski, 24, a two-time Pro Bowl tight end who’s scored 42 touchdowns in his 44 career starts, was injured during the third quarter of the Patriots’ 27-26 win against the Cleveland Browns two days ago. After catching a pass down the middle of the field, Gronkowski was hit in the right knee by Browns defensive back T.J. Ward, who dove low on the play.