NFL PLAYER NEWS

Patriots’ Gronkowski not expected to play vs. Jets

The Sports Xchange

November 23, 2016 at 11:34 am.

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA;  Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) tries to tackle New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after a catch during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) tries to tackle New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after a catch during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is expected to miss his second consecutive game Sunday against the New York Jets as he continues to recover from a chest injury.

Gronkowski will not play this week, ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported Wednesday. Sources told ESPN that the Patriots’ coaching staff is preparing the offense without Gronkowski, who is expected to return Dec. 4 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Gronkowski suffered the injury in a 31-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on “Sunday Night Football” on Nov. 13. He took a hard hit from Seahawks safety Earl Thomas and temporarily had to leave the game in the first half.

Gronkowski caught 25 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns in seven games this season. It will be his fourth missed game of the year.

Gronkowski’s absence leaves Martellus Bennett and Matt Lengel as the two available tight ends on the roster. Bennett made one reception for 14 yards last Sunday in the Patriots’ 30-17 win against the San Francisco 49ers, and caught 39 passes for 518 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games this season.

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