Rob Gronkowski. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Rob Gronkowski's had an okay year — 448 yards, 29 catches in seven games. But he's dealt with back and ankle injuries, certainly isn't 100 percent, and he's appeared off.
The Boston Globe's Ben Volin told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman the Patriots stud tight end doesn't seem right.
"He suffered back spasms last Friday. That flared up for him again. That's a bad sign. We all know his troubling history with his back injuries — three surgeries to fix a herniated disc, which is going to be a chronic problem for him. I think you're holding your breath at this point and wondering when he's going to have to have his next surgery. And you hope that it doesn't have to happen this year. He doesn't look himself," Volin said. "Most telling to me is he has two targets in the red zone all season in seven games and does not have a red zone catch yet this year. And [Gronkowski] is supposed to be your big red zone weapon."
Volin is not optimistic about Gronkowski's long-term career.
"As far as [Gronkowski] and his future, I'm not locking in anything after this year. I think it's going to be a year-to-year thing with [Gronkowski]. I would not be surprised if this were his last year of football," Volin said.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) reports