Patriots

Rob Gronkowski will reportedly miss Sunday’s Buccaneers-Patriots game

He has a lingering rib injury.

Rob Gronkowski is off to a strong start this season. Kyusung Gong/AP Photo

October 2, 2021

Rob Gronkowski will not play Sunday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Schefter reported Saturday afternoon that the Buccaneers’ tight end is not making the trip to New England due to a rib injury.

He later elaborated on that report, noting that Gronkowski suffered multiple fractured ribs and could be sidelined for multiple weeks. Initial X-rays were clean but follow-up MRIs were not.

Bucs’ TE Rob Gronkowski is not making the trip to New England today due to his rib injury and he will be out Sunday night vs. New England, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2021

Bucs’ TE Rob Gronkowski suffered multiple fractured ribs last Sunday that threaten to sideline him for multiple weeks, sources tell ESPN.

Initial X-rays were clean but follow up MRIs were not. “We held out hope all week he’d be ready,” said one source. “He’s a different breed.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2021

Gronkowski, who suffered the injury last week against the Los Angeles Rams, didn’t participate in practice this week and was listed as doubtful Friday. He has 16 catches for 184 yards and four touchdowns in three games this season.

Tom Brady will make his return, but it appears Gronkowski’s first trip to Gillette Stadium as a visitor will have to wait. Now perhaps Brady’s visit will finally get some attention.