FOXBORO -- Rob Gronkowski admitted that he took one of the hardest hits of his career on Sunday night, and it may have done more than leave him feeling sore on Monday morning.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Patriots tight end suffered what is believed to be a punctured lung against the Seahawks, and he could miss time as a result.
Gronkowski absorbed a huge blow from Seattle safety Earl Thomas in the second quarter when quarterback Tom Brady sent a pass over the middle intended for the 6-foot-6, 265-pounder. Thomas broke up the play by running full speed into Gronkowski, leading with his shoulder and contacting Gronkowski's chest.
Gronkowski was tended to by Patriots medical personnel before coming off of the field. He missed five plays while being evaluated for a concussion before returning to action on the same drive.
"That was a big hit for sure," Gronkowski said after the game. "Probably one of the hardest I've got hit in my career for sure. [It was] by a good player, a good, fast player who's like a missile. It was a good, clean hit. Nothing against it. I took it and it just knocked the wind out of me a little bit, that's all.
"If you're ever gotten the wind knocked out of you, you know what that feels like. Just down for about a minute or two. It's a little tough to breathe, but once it comes back, you're good."
Gronkowski finished the day with three catches for 56 yards, and he was Brady's intended target on fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line.