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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- If Tom Brady becomes the NFLs all-time winningest quarterback on Sunday, he will do it without the guy whos been on the receiving end of most of his touchdown passes.The Patriots (9-2) will be without tight end Rob Gronkowski this week when they host the struggling Los Angeles Rams (4-7) in their final regular-season matchup with an NFC opponent.Gronkowski was slated to undergo surgery for a herniated disk in his back this week, a person with knowledge of the details told The Associated Press. He will likely to be out for eight weeks or more, putting his return for this season in jeopardy.The Super Bowl is Feb. 5 in Houston, should the Patriots get that far.With 200 victories, Brady is tied with Peyton Manning for the most wins by a quarterback.But Brady started off the week by missing a day of practice with a knee issue. Tight end Martellus Bennett also missed a practice with both ankle and shoulder issues.Its created some vulnerability for New England, which entered the week as a two-touchdown favorite over a Los Angeles team that is coming off a 49-21 loss at New Orleans .But Patriots receiver Chris Hogan, limited in practice this week with a sore back, said the injuries wouldnt affect their approach.Were gonna go out there every single week -- next-man mentality, Hogan said. Theres a lot of weapons on this team and we play well together, so whoevers out there were gonna go out and play our best. Whoever it is.Though Brady has discovered new options in both Bennett and Hogan this season, hes thrown 67 of his 446 touchdown passes to Gronk -- more than hes thrown any other player.It is behind only Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates (82) for the most connections between a quarterback and tight end in NFL history.Despite their many issues the Rams enter Sunday ranked ninth in the NFL in total defense, giving up just 339.8 yards per game.Their passing defense is even better. Its ranked seventh in the league, allowing only 227.5 yards through the air.In addition, punter Johnny Hekker has limited teams to a 4.5 yards average per return, while ranking second in the league with a 44.9 net yards per punt average.Rams coach Jeff Fisher acknowledged earlier this week that Gronk was an impact player for the Patriots, adding well see when it comes to his health. But he said he expected Brady to be Brady.I can assure you that Tom is going to show up, he always does week after week after week, Fisher said.At his age and with his experience, he doesnt need a lot of practice reps, he said. Were not going to be misled by the lack of practice as far as the quarterback is concerned.Here are some other things to watch for on Sunday:HUMBLED DEFENSE: The Rams defense had been in the midst of another strong season until the past 64:02.Theyve given up 63 points in that stretch, including two late touchdowns by the Miami Dolphins and that 49-point thrashing from New Orleans.Facing Brady and coach Bill Belichick isnt a great place to start over, but the veteran-laden unit is confident it can get its groove back.We definitely were mad about it, and disappointed, defensive lineman Aaron Donald said. But we know what weve got to do. Weve got to eliminate the mistakes, and weve got to play better. Thats not the way we play. We know that.LIFE ON THE ROAD: The Rams are making the final cross-country road trip and 10 a.m. Pacific start in their tumultuous season, which began with relocation from St. Louis to LA.After spending their entire offseason moving among several locations for offseason activities, the Rams are traveling an NFL-high 32,072 miles this season, including a trip to London.Fisher mentions the Rams year of upheaval when asked about his own job security, but doesnt use it as an excuse for their slump.I dont look over my shoulder, Fisher said. Im not concerned about my job. I have a great relationship with (owner) Stan (Kroenke). He understands the difficulties that were placed on this organization, as far as the move is concerned, and Im moving forward optimistically with this team.GREETINGS: DE Chris Long spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Rams before they released him in February, depriving the franchise of a loquacious personality who likely would have been a hit in Hollywood.Long has settled in splendidly with the Patriots, and his former teammates are eager to see him.Of all the places where one would think that hed have a chance to be successful, it would be New England, Fisher said.---AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this report.---Follow Kyle Hightower on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/khightower---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL .Wholesale Hurricanes Jerseys . Defenceman Yannick Weber scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and the Canucks breathed a sigh of relief with a 2-1 win on Saturday night. Carolina Hurricanes Pro Shop . DAmigo scored twice in regulation and added the shootout winner as the Toronto Marlies edged the San Antonio Rampage 5-4 in American Hockey League action. https://www.cheaphurricanes.com/ . -- Ryan Getzlaf grabbed the three pucks wrapped in tape and held them up to his chest in the Anaheim Ducks dressing room for a celebration nine seasons in the making. Fake Hurricanes Jerseys . Michell Burger, a woman who lives on an estate next to Pistorius gated community, said she and her husband were awoken by the screams in the pre-dawn hours of Feb. 14 last year, when Pistorius killed Reeva Steenkamp by shooting four times through a door in his bathroom. Carolina Hurricanes Store . Halladay signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday that allowed the veteran right-hander to retire as a member of team with which he broke into the majors and spent the bulk of his distinguished 16-year career.Will Greenwood explains why he rates Englands 37-21 win over South Africa higher than a six out of ten.England may have beaten South Africa for the first time in ten years, but their report card from head coach Eddie Jones read only as good.Jones knows what it will take to usurp New Zealand from top spot in the world rankings and insisted that his side have to be sharper in future matches. Rugby Union podcast Listen to the full podcast here England did leave plenty of points out on the field, but it was their first game since the summer and after shrugging off the rust, they took total control of the game. England vs Fiji November 19, 2016, 2:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass Greenwood admitted that after watching the game live at Twiickenham, he initially agreed with Jones assessment against a South African side in dire straits.ddddddddddddHowever, two more viewings with the advantage of a rewind button has changed his opinion, and says he that England are in a very good place at the moment. Ireland vs New Zealand November 19, 2016, 5:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass Greenwood also looks ahead to what changes Jones may make for the Fiji Test and also looks at the other internationals including Irelands re-match with New Zealand.Listen to the Rugby Union podcast and subscribe to all our podcasts hereWatch Englands v Fiji and Ireland v New Zealand on Saturday from 2pm on Sky Sports 1. Catch the match for £6.99 with a NOW TV day pass.Also See:Stuart Barnes talking pointsItjoe wins World Rugby awardFollow @SkySportsRugbyFixtures and results ' ' '