Martellus Bennett Doesn't See Anything Changing For Him Without Gronk
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- Rob Gronkowski is expected to miss the rest of the season after he undergoes back surgery, but the Patriots appear to be in better shape to withstand his loss than they have in previous seasons. Crucial to that transition is tight end Martellus Bennett, who has been among the team's best, most consistent performers on offense in 2016.
The Patriots offense will have to look markedly different without Gronk on the field, but Bennett doesn't expect much to change for him - if anything.
"I've been doing the same thing all year," Bennett told reporters when asked if anything would change for him with Gronk out. "Not for me. It's consistent. It's the same for me."
Bennett has been dealing with ankle and shoulder injuries in his own right. He did not practice on Wednesday but was a limited participant on Thursday. And as he should be, Bennett was mainly just worried about working back from his own issues.
"Only thing I can control is what's going on with my body," he said. "Cutting my grass before I cut someone else's."
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It's worth noting that the news of Gronk's surgery came out after Bennett was asked about the injury, but it likely would not have changed his answer either way.
Bennett has played through the injuries and done his job throughout the season. He's also been somewhat less outspoken than he's become known for in his career, despite being able to show his colorful personality whenever prompted. It's all part of a package that has reportedly made Bennett an offseason priority for the Patriots to re-sign.
One thing is highly likely, though: Bennett's role in the offense is going to change moving forward. They will need him to be more of a weapon for Tom Brady in the passing game than he has been. But as far as just doing what the coaches tell him to do and working through his own problems, that certainly will remain consistent.
Hopefully, Bennett's consistency continues as the Patriots accept life without Gronk. They are going to need it.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
