Rob Gronkowski won’t play tonight vs. Buccaneers
TAMPA — The Patriots were without one of their biggest weapons for Thursday night’s game against the Buccaneers as Rob Gronkowski was a late scratch with a thigh injury.
The news was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Updated: Patriots’ TE Rob Gronkowski is not expected to play tonight vs Bucs, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 5, 2017
The big tight end popped up on Wednesday’s injury report with the ailment after not being listed on Monday’s or Tuesday’s report.
It’s unclear when Gronkowski got hurt as the Patriots didn’t hold any contact practices this week, rather just a couple of walkthrough sessions because of the quick turnaround.
Gronkowski played 100 percent of the 70 offensive snaps in last Sunday’s 33-30 loss to the Panthers.
It’s the latest in a string of injuries for Gronkowski, who left the Saints game in Week 2 with a minor groin injury, and missed the final five games of the regular season and the playoffs last season because of back injury that required surgery.
Gronkowski is second on the team with 20 receptions for a team-leading 318 yards this season. He also has a pair of touchdowns.
Here’s the official Patriots announcement noting that Gronkowski is inactive for Thursday night:
https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/916074587523297281
