Fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez has a knee injury that will reportedly sideline him from anywhere between one and six weeks, which could potentially lead to more targets for Gronkowski, who has played a vital role as a blocker between the 20s.
Through two weeks, Gronkowski is fourth on the team in both receptions (10) and targets (13), but he leads the Patriots with three touchdowns and is third with 172 receiving yards.
Gronkowski said he's ready for whatever role the Patriots need him to fill in Hernandez's absence.
"Whatever coach's decisions are, whatever they want me to do, I've got to go out there and perform, do my job wherever they want me to go out," Gronkowski said. "I've got to keep it going, just work hard out in practice. Whatever the role is, I've got to accept and take it on."
