Today, the New England Patriots hold their last practice session of the week leading up to their AFC divisional match-up against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. The Patriots, who have been banged-up the second half of the season, are looking to get healthy just in time for the playoffs. However, it seems one player is not: All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski.
According to multiple media reports, Gronkowski missed today's practice session. It marks the second session this week, the best tight end in the NFL misses; he was also not spotted at Tuesday's session after recently re-appearing on the injury report with a knee issue.
However, it seems as if the Patriots' coaching and medical staff are just playing it safe with Gronkowski, who is a vital member of New England's offense. According to Ian Rapoport, Gronkowski should be good to go on Saturday:
TE Rob Gronkowski missed practice today because of a knee injury, but my understanding is he should be good for this weekend.
Still, the situation is worth monitoring, given that New England's top three wide receivers – Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, and Brandon LaFell – were all listed as limited on yesterday's first practice report of the week.
Gronkowski was not the only player to miss the session: offensive guard Tre' Jackson and linebacker Jonathan Freeny were also not spotted. We will have more details once today's injury report is released.