AP Source: Pats TE Gronkowski Has Forearm Surger

No more end-zone spikes for a while from Rob Gronkowski.

A person familiar with the process said Monday the New England Patriots tight end expects to be sidelined for four to six weeks after having surgery for a broken left forearm. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick gave no update on the high-scoring, free-spirited tight end, who appeared to be hurt while blocking on an extra point late in the Patriots' 59-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Asked during an early afternoon conference call if Gronkowski had undergone surgery, Belichick said, "I really haven't met with our doctors and trainers yet today. I do that at the end of the day. I don't have any updates.

"Whatever the injury information is, we'll release it in a timely fashion, when we're required by the league, just like we always do."

The Patriots gave no estimate of how long Gronkowski, who hasn't missed a game in his three NFL seasons, might be sidelined. But they have to make a quick adjustment with only three days to prepare for Thursday night's game at the New York Jets.

Smith still feeling effects of concussion

Alex Smith's post-concussion symptoms worsened late last week, which opened the door for backup Colin Kaepernick to start Monday's 32-7 win over the Bears at Candlestick Park.
Smith shared the practice reps in the middle of the week, but Kaepernick took all the snaps during a Saturday practice and a walk-through Sunday. The players learned Kaepernick would start Sunday night at the team hotel.

After Monday's game, Smith said he was still feeling the effects of the concussion he sustained Nov. 11 in a 24-24 tie with the Rams. Smith has said his immediate post-concussion symptoms included blurred vision, headaches and nausea.
"I feel better," Smith said "I'm kind of in the middle of it."
Smith was ruled out after being evaluated by Dr. Dan Garza, the team's medical director and concussion expert.
"It was up to the doctor," Smith said when asked what prevented him from playing. "That's a better question for the doctor."
Young on QBs, concussions: ESPN's Steve Young knows a little bit about the two big story lines entering the game: quarterbacking and concussions. And the former 49ers quarterback knows how much progress has been made when the two topics intersect as they have this week with both starters, Smith and Jay Cutler, ruled out because of concussions.

49ers versus Rams 2012: Wild and Crazy Week 10 G

The Bay Area 49ers were not able to increase their lead within the NFC West because they finished Week 10 tied, 24-24, using the St. Louis Rams. After Alex Cruz went lower by having an injuries, second-year QB Colin Kaepernick introduced Bay Area back from the two-score deficit to pressure overtime. This is when things got particularly wild. David Fucillo of Niners Nation recaps the entertaining game from on location in Bay Area.