New England Patriots
Aaron Hernandez - #81 - TE
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 1"/ 245 lbs. |
| Birthday | 11/06/1989 |
| Birthplace | Bristol, CT |
| College | Florida |
| Years played | 4 |
| Drafted | 2010, 4th round, 15th pick by Patriots |
2012 STATS
| Rec | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | 483 | 5 |
Key matchup: Ravens pass rush vs. Patriots O-line
Teams that have bested the Patriots have rattled Tom Brady enough to keep the offense out of rhythm. The Ravens will try to do that on Sunday.
The Pro Game: Strange days, indeed
Tom Danyluk discusses some of the odd moments in the semi-final round, and gives you his forecast on the Sunday’s championships.
Intriguing story lines in championship weekend
Breaking down all the key battles and matchups in championship game weekend.
Flacco to face far different Patriots' secondary
Joe Flacco had his best game of the season against the Patriots in Week Three, but faces a much-different pass defense in the AFC title game.
Surprise contributors borne from great scouting
Some unsung units stepped up this weekend, which shouldn't be a surprise given how good the final four teams' scouting staffs are.
Patriots bring back Daboll
The Patriots are bringing former assistant Brian Daboll back to the staff, effective immediately, Bill Belichick told reporters during a conference call Monday.
Patriots beat Texans, Ravens up next
Stevan Ridley ran for 82 yards and a touchdown to help the Patriots roll to a 41-28 victory over the Texans.
Reports: Gronkowski out for rest of postseason
The Patriots will be without TE Rob Gronkowski for the rest of the postseason after he reinjured his forearm, Pro Football Talk first reported.
Friday injury report for divisional playoffs
Here is the Friday injury report for the divisional playoffs, showing to what degree injured players participated in their teams' practices.
Key matchup: Texans passing game vs. Patriots pass 'D'
The Texans’ key to avenging a Week 14 embarrassment and advancing to the AFC title game will be QB Matt Schaub.
Looking back, thinking ahead
Tom Danyluk delivers some final thoughts on last week's wild-card action, and gives his forecast on the upcoming divisional round.
Ryan, Falcons understand situation they're in
The Falcons and QB Matt Ryan are aware of the pressures they face this weekend in what should be a strong divisional slate of games.
Hightower's playmaking will be key for Patriots in playoffs
Patriots rookie LB Dont'a Hightower has made impact plays behind the line of scrimmage, and will be counted on in the playoffs.
Patriots sign QB Kafka, DE Benard
The Patriots signed QB Mike Kafka and DE Marcus Benard to reserve/future contracts on Friday.
Wednesday's 60-second rant: New year, same AFC East
The Bills and Jets gave the Patriots an early New Year's gift, making front-office changes, further cementing New England as the class of the AFC East.
PLAYER NEWS
Hernandez hauled in eight receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns in Monday night's 42-14 rout of Houston.|||||||
Hernandez's eight catches matched a season high set the previous week against Miami. While he's greatly benefited from Rob Gronkowski's absence, Hernandez should continue to see plenty of balls thrown his way even when Gronkowski returns.
Hernandez is active for the Patriots' game against the New York Jets.|||||||
Hernandez missed the last three because of a sprained right ankle.
Hernandez is missing his sixth game on Sunday, and third straight, with an injured right ankle.|||||||
The Pats likely won't skip a beat with Rob Gronkowski and Wes Welker still on the field, but Hernandez's injury is becoming more concerning as the season moves on.
Although he was held out of practice Thursday, Hernandez says his ankle is healed after missing nearly four full games with a sprain.|||||||
Hernandez caught six passes for 30 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots' 24-23 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday. He should be good to go moving forward.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick says he doesn't know how long tight end Aaron Hernandez will be sidelined with a right ankle injury. Asked Monday if Hernandez broke any bones, Belichick said, "I don't really have any update on his status. I think they're still looking at him."|||||||
ESPN.com reported that Hernandez would not play Sunday night at the Baltimore Ravens and that, while there is no exact timetable, he likely will not return until October at the earliest. Hernandez was injured in the first quarter of Sunday's 20-18 loss to the Arizona Cardinals while blocking for Julian Edelman, who had just caught a pass. As he was being tackled, Edelman fell on Hernandez's right leg. Hernandez left Gillette Stadium with crutches and a walking boot.
