Robert Kraft will be sidelined this weekend and beyond.
The Patriots owner will miss Rob Gronkowski’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction Saturday afternoon due to his necessary recovery from back surgery, ESPN reported Thursday.
Kraft explained that doctors have implored him to stay off his feet.
Thus, he will also miss New England’s home game against the Packers on Sunday and the team’s trip to Munich to face the Lions in Week 10.
“As much pain as I was in before having surgery, it pains me even more to miss the ceremony,” he told the outlet.
Gronkowski, who spent nine seasons in New England that included three Super Bowl championships, was voted into the organization’s Hall of Fame by fans in April in his first year of eligibility.
The former star tight end also can relate to Kraft’s pain, as he also underwent various back surgeries during his 11-year career.
“I always told Gronk that in my next life, I wanted to come back as him because I had never seen him have a bad day,” the 85-year-old said. “But after a couple of back surgeries, I take that back. I never want to experience that again.”
Kraft’s initial plan was to pair the induction with Fox’s pregame show, which Gronkowski is a part of, to a game at Gillette Stadium this season.
Yet, the Patriots’ schedule only had one Fox game at home on Nov. 8 — the same game the network was committed to its Salute to Service coverage.
Thus, the Patriots coordinated with Fox to put together a weekend schedule for Gronkowski to allow him to do both.
The four-time All-Pro will be at his induction Saturday and also be honored during halftime of Sunday’s game while fulfilling his Fox obligations.
Gronkowski is a pivotal figure in New England since he was drafted by the organization in the second round of the 2010 draft out of Arizona.
His touchdown spikes are forever in Patriots fans’ memories as a part of his 79 regular-season touchdowns receptions and 12 postseason scores throughout his nine years with the organization.
The 37-year-old helped push the Patriots to nine AFC East championships wins, eight AFC Championship game appearances and four Super Bowl berths.
“I just love Gronk. One of my greatest moments of love and affection for him was draft day, celebrating on the stage with his dad and brothers. It personified who he is,” Kraft said. “He became a fan favorite almost immediately and remained the standard at tight end for nearly a decade.”
The Patriots (5-3) are coming off a win against the Dolphins, but have been plagued by injuries throughout the season.
A.J. Brown remains out along with running back TreVeyon Henderson, tight end Hunter Henry, wideouts Mack Hollins and Romeo Doubs, and starting guards Mike Onwenu and Alijah Vera-Tucker.
