Just a few weeks ago, it appeared the New England Patriots would run through the AFC. Now, with superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski likely out for the remainder of the season, the playoff picture is wide open.

Upon hearing the bad news, the four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady addressed the media.

“Well, you know, it doesn’t help losing great players,” Brady stated. “And to not have Gronk out there — one of our best players and most dependable, consistent players — and not in the lineup makes things challenging for us. But that’s what the NFL season is about. It’s about overcoming challenges.”

Brady realizes no one player can replace Gronk, so they’ll have to do it as a committee.

“We have a lot of good players on our team that are going to need to fill the void, and it’s a big void left by such a spectacular player in Gronk. But I don’t think that any of us are going to give up on what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Gronk is set to undergo back surgery later today.

Source: CSNNE