Rob Gronkowski's Injury Leaves Patriots TE As Non-Factor In First Half

Read More: Rob Gronkowski (TE - NEP), New York Giants

The injury to Rob Gronkowski's ankle became such a story to the point where it was absurd how much attention one player's ankle could get (including the obligatory Gronkowski injured ankle Twitter account).

But for nearly the entire first half of Sunday's game against the Giants, Gronkowski was invisible with zero catches. He seemed winded at times and unable to drive blockers like he usually does. The Patriots started the game keeping him out wide, perhaps as a way to test out the ankle.

Gronkowski finally got on the board when he caught a 20-yard pass from Tom Brady shortly before the two minute warning in the first half. And, to his credit, that catch came on a scoring drive.

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