Rowe, Burkhead ruled out, Gronkowski (thigh) questionable for Thursday

Cornerback Eric Rowe (groin) and running back Rex Burkhead (ribs) were both ruled out by the Patriots for Thursday’s game against the Bucs in Tampa.

Rowe has been struggling with groin issues the last couple of weeks, and left in the second half of Sunday’s loss to the Panthers as a result. He was seen in the locker room this week hobbling around and struggling to walk. In addition. Burkhead has now been sidelined with a rib issue for an extended stretch — it was an injury he suffered late in the win over the Saints last month.

In addition, one other thing worth noting is the appearance of tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was apparently limited because of a thigh injury. It's the first appearance of the week on the injury report for Gronkowski.

Here’s a look at the complete report:

OUT
CB Eric Rowe (DNP — groin)
RB Rex Burkhead (limited — ribs)

QUESTIONABLE
LB Elandon Roberts (limited — ankle)
OL Marcus Cannon (limited  — ankle)
CB Stephon Gilmore (limited — ankle)
LB Dont’a Hightower (limited — knee)
DB Brandon King (limited — hamstring)
WR Matthew Slater (limited — hamstring)
TE Rob Gronkowski (limited — thigh)