The New England Patriots star tight end is officially listed as questionable for this Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski did not practice on Friday afternoon due to an illness, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Gronkowski was not seen on the practice field Friday, leading many to speculate that he had possibly re-aggravated a hamstring injury that has limited Gronkowski all season. The three-time All-Pro participated in Thursday’s full pad practice on a limited basis, with the hamstring reportedly progressing well.
However, the Patriots announced Friday afternoon that Gronkowski’s absence was illness related, which comes as somewhat of a relief to Patriots fans.
Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski was absent from today's practice due to illness. https://t.co/nU3ATHzaNd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 14, 2016
New England’s official injury report lists Gronkowski as questionable for the fifth straight week with the hamstring and illness. As the probable designation has been removed, it seems more likely than not that Gronkowski will play, depending on if the sickness gets any worse.
Gronkowski has clearly not been himself all season long due to the injury, which he suffered in a joint practice with the Chicago Bears in mid-August. The star tight end has appeared in three games with just one start, catching six passes for 120 yards.
While the illness doesn’t appear to be anything major for now, it still comes at a bit of an unfortunate time. Gronkowski was just starting to get on a roll, as he reeled in five passes for 109 yards last week against the Cleveland Browns in Tom Brady’s first game back from suspension.
As always, the Patriots have successfully navigated injuries and suspensions en route to a 4-1 start. Martellus Bennett has done an excellent job filling in for Gronkowski with 21 catches for 314 yards and four touchdowns.
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Expect Bennett to be the primary tight end once again against the Bengals, as the combination of illness and the hamstring, will probably push Gronkowski to a limited role once again. The Patriots are in control of the AFC East and can afford to bring Gronkowski along slowly.