New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has admitted that his team can't "replace" tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Gronkowski was placed on season-ending injured reserve after sustaining a torn ACL and MCL during his side's win over the Cleveland Browns.

"I don't think you can replace a player like that, a guy that can do so many unique things, with anybody," McDaniels told reporters.

"I think the thing that we rely on the most from one week to the next has always been trying to figure out what part of our offensive system do you use to maximize the strengths of the players that we have available for us that week against the strengths of the opponent we're playing that week as well."

Gronkowski had scored four touchdowns and caught 39 receptions for 592 yards.