National Football League

Patriots release TE Dan Gronkowski, brother of Rob

Published Sep. 23, 2011 8:42 p.m. ET

foxsports

The New England Patriots have released tight end Dan Gronkowski less than three weeks after he joined his brother Rob on the team.

The move on Friday leaves Rob Gronkowski as the Patriots only healthy tight end for Sunday's game at the Buffalo Bills. Aaron Hernandez is out with a knee injury.

The Patriots signed Dan Gronkowski on Sept. 7 after he was cut by the Denver Broncos. A seventh-round draft pick from Maryland, he had nine catches in 14 games with Detroit and Denver over two seasons. He has no receptions this year. Rob has 10 catches for three touchdowns this year after having 42 receptions for 10 touchdowns as a rookie last year.

Another brother, Chris, is a running back with the Indianapolis Colts.