Report: Patriots optimistic Gronkowski's knee injury isn't serious

The New England Patriots believe star tight end Rob Gronkowski didn't suffer a serious knee injury against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The belief is that Gronkowski avoided structural damage to his knee and will miss minimal time, Rapoport reports.

Gronkowski was carted off the field in obvious discomfort after being tackled by Broncos safety Darian Stewart late in the fourth quarter.

The All-Pro, who was seen walking with a limp after leaving the X-ray room, will undergo further tests, NFL Network's Albert Breer reports.

"Hate to see it. But it's really the only way for defenders to hit now," Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said of Stewart's hit on Gronkowski.