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When the New England Patriots head to Florida in Week 13 to take on the Miami Dolphins, they'll be without one of their best offensive players. Tight end Rob Gronkowski will miss New England's first matchup with the Dolphins, because of a broken forearm suffered during New England's Week 11 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Gronkowski, one of the best tight ends in the NFL, has been one of Tom Brady's favorite targets this season. Brady has targeted Gronkowski 75 times this season, with Gronkowski hauling in 53 receptions for 748 yards and 10 touchdowns.
New England will be getting another tight end back to help replace Gronkowski. Aaron Hernandez is expected to play in New England's Week 12 contest against the New York Jets on Thanksgiving night, and barring another injury or a set back, Hernandez will play against the Dolphins in Week 13.
Even without Gronkowski, it won't be easy to stop the Patriots' offense, but it's at least one less weapon for Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle to plan against.