The New England Patriots will likely not have Rob Gronkowski for Sunday’s road game against the Chicago Bears, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the tight end didn’t travel and is “highly unlikely” to play.
Patriots’ TE Rob Gronkowski is “highly unlikely” to play Sunday vs. Bears as he didn't travel with the team to Chicago, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 20, 2018
Gronkowski has been dealing with a back injury and popped up on the injury report on Friday.
If Gronk isn’t able to play, it would obviously be a big loss for New England’s offense.
Despite the fact that he hasn’t been catching touchdown passes of late, Gronkowski’s presence on the field is a huge reason why other receivers get open. Opposing teams often have two, if not three defenders bracketing the talented receiver.
Despite that, so far this season, Gronkowski has caught 26 passes for 405 yards and one touchdown.