Patriots Reportedly Expect Rob Gronkowski to Be Fine Despite Back Injury

The New England Patriots reportedly do not expect Rob Gronkowski's absence to be a long one.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said the Patriots do not believe Gronkowski will miss any additional time after he sat out Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears with a back injury. The five-time Pro Bowler did not travel with the team to Chicago after hurting his back at Friday's practice.

The Patriots remained steady on offense despite being without Gronkowski and Sony Michel, who suffered a leg injury in the first quarter. Tom Brady threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns against one interception, while Josh Gordon had his first 100-yard game in a Patriots uniform.

“I think there were a lot of adjustments that were probably challenging for Josh especially, as the play caller," Brady told reporters. "I give him so much credit never to lose his poise and Gronk just not feeling up to it— Josh kind of manipulating everything with the game plan that he needed to do in order to put us into a position to do well."

Gronkowski has been off to a slow start this season. He's posted 26 receptions for 405 yards and one touchdown, putting him on pace to set a career low in scores. 

“It is what it is,” Gronkowski told reporters. “First off, I’ve got to get open. I’ve got to get out there and run better routes and then I’ll start seeing more targets. Whatever play is called, we’re scoring points, we’re scoring down there. Whatever I have to do to help out the team, even if the ball’s not going my way, I’ve just got to do it and just keep grinding. If I keep playing ball, keep doing what I need to do, keep playing better, I might start receiving the targets. That’s what it comes down to so just got to get better and get open.”

The Patriots have plenty of experience playing without Gronk. He has not played a full season since 2011 and has sat out 11 regular-season games over the last two-and-a-half seasons.

Resting Gronk and giving him as much time on the sidelines as he needs is probably a smart move given his long history of back trouble.