The New England Patriots' tight end, Rob Gronkowski, was taken to the locker room for examination for a possible concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit from the Jacksonville Jaguars' safety, Barry Church. Shortly after, he was ruled out due to the concussion.
With just under a minute and a half to play, and with the Jaguars leading 14-3, Tom Brady threw to Gronkowski on the right, who had already beaten Tashaun Gipson's coverage, before being hit by Church, which was penalized as unnecessary roughness with 15 yards and an automatic first down.
Gronkowski appeared slightly dazed and disoriented upon getting up, and assistance immediately entered the field to help him to the sideline, which he did under his own power. New England's star tight end was taken immediately to the locker room to be evaluated by the independent neurologist.
In the subsequent play, cornerback A.J. Bouye committed a pass interference against Brandin Cooks on the left side, and the Patriots scored a touchdown with a 1-yard run by James White two plays later, cutting the deficit to 14-10 before halftime.
After New England's touchdown, Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles took a knee twice to send the game into halftime.
At the start of the fourth quarter, with the Patriots trailing 20-10, New England officially ruled Gronkowski out for the remainder of the game.
At the time of his injury, Gronkowski had seen three passes thrown his way, catching one for 21 yards.