Reports indicate Rob Gronkowski won't play Sunday - how does that impact Patriots' offense?

Per multiple media reports, the Patriots won’t have tight end Rob Gronkowski Sunday against the Titans.

Gronkowski, who has missed two of the last three games while battling back and ankle issues, was listed as questionable on the Friday injury report. He expressed optimism Friday when it came to a potential return, but with the bye week right around the corner, it sounds like the team is doing all it can to make sure he’s healthy for the post-Thanksgiving stretch run.

BSJ analysis: What does this mean for the Patriots offense?


Fortunately for New England, the Patriots have become accustomed to life without Gronkowski. It’ll mean more responsibility for Dwayne Allen, as well as (if he’s healthy) Jacob Hollister. And while he’s not considered a tight end, fullback James Develin does have some of those H-back/tight end style capabilities, which means he could get a couple of extra targets in the passing game. And while Julian Edelman and James White are always vital to the success of the New England offense, they’ll be relied on heavily again with Gronkowski sidelined.

But the truth of the matter is this might be another one of those games where offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will have to get a little creative when it comes to finding soft spots in the opposing defense. Maybe another trick play or two that they didn’t use last week against the Packers? We shall see. Regardless, while the move doesn’t bode well for the tight end when it comes to him hitting his contractual incentives, it appears the team continues to take things cautiously when it comes to Gronkowski's health.