With Rob Gronkowski out, what's in store for Patriots Thursday night?

TAMPA BAY — Tight end Rob Gronkowski is “not expected to play” against the Bucs Thursday night, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Gronkowski, who was added to the injury report on Friday with what the team said was a thigh issue, has played in all four games to this point in the season with 20 catches, 318 yards and two touchdowns. If he's out, what does that mean for New England?

BSJ analysis


If Gronkowski is sidelined — as well as Tom Brady’s other favorite pass catcher, Julian Edelman — expect the quarterback to leave heavily on the remaining pass catchers who are expected to play against the Bucs. That list includes, but is not limited to, James White, Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan. All of them, as well as Dion Lewis, figure to get more action in the passing game against a Tampa defense that has struggled to get pressure on the opposing quarterback. (That's not to suggest that they won't necessarily utilize Brandin Cooks or Phillip Dorsett. It's just that most of their traditional routes in the New England offense don't mimic Gronkowski's.)

In addition, look for plenty of work from the likes of Dwayne Allen, who has struggled to connect with Brady in the passing game to this point in the season. There will also be more opportunities for Jacob Hollister and James Develin when it comes to significant snaps.