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The New England Patriots never cease to surprise.

Usually tight-lipped on injuries, the Patriots and Rob Groknowski's family released a joint statement on the tight end's right knee injury.

"During Sunday night's game, Rob Gronkowski sustained a bone bruise/sprain of his right knee," the statement reads. "His status will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis and listed accordingly on the practice participation and injury reports. There is no timetable for his readiness to return, which will be determined in the days or hours prior to the appropriate game. Any timetable reported prior to that final determination would be speculative."

Gronkowski took a shot to his right knee in the fourth quarter of the Patriots' 30-24 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday night and was carted off the field. Any speculation that the injury was season-ending was put to rest shortly after the game when reports indicated it wasn't serious.

The Patriots are 10-1 and have a one-game lead over the Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 1 seed in the postseason. It could be smart to rest Gronkowski until the playoffs to not further risk serious injury.

Thumbnail photo via Chris Humphreys/USA TODAY Sports Images