Rob Gronkowski injury update: Patriots TE might miss Week 5

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski’s hamstring injury is reportedly not coming along as expected.

Rob Gronkowski has now played in two games for the Patriots but has just one catch. His lack of production likely comes down to the hamstring injury that forced him to miss the first two games. Gronk ran just 13 routes in Sunday’s loss to the Bills leading to reports that his injury isn’t progressing as expected:

The good news is that Gronkowski played in 41 of 58 offensive snaps in the game, the bad news is he was mainly a blocker. However, the 41 snaps were an upgrade from just 14 in his debut.

His lack of usage as a receiver could also be related to rookie Jacoby Brissett being under center for the past two games. We should be able to get a clearer picture of the tight end’s status after this weekend’s game when Tom Brady returns from suspension. Brissett struggled mightily in his second start and was consistently pressured by the Bills front seven.

Although the injury is troubling, the Patriots have the depth to make up for it. The addition of Martellus Bennett in the offseason is looking more important than ever. Bennett hauled in five balls for 109 yards on Sunday while Gronk spent much of the day blocking.

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Brady’s return could also make it less necessary for the team to use Gronkowski if he isn’t fully healthy. If reports come out later this week saying his hamstring has regressed, the Patriots could very well let the All-Pro rest.

Nevertheless, the storylines for next week’s game against the Cleveland Browns couldn’t be any juicier:

• The Patriots are coming off being shut out at home for the first time since 1993.
• Tom Brady is set to make his triumphant return from suspension.
• Is Rob Gronkowski at full strength?

See you Sunday.