Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) breaks the tackle of Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury/illness for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Gronkowski was a limited participant at practice on Wednesday and Thursday. His absence on Friday was due to an undisclosed illness.
The four-time Pro Bowler was sidelined for the Patriots’ first two games, but caught five passes for 109 yards last Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
New England has ruled two players out for Sunday’s game; linebacker Jonathan Freeny (shoulder) and tight end Greg Scruggs (knee).
Eleven others are listed as questionable, including wide receiver Julian Edelman (foot), tight end Martellus Bennett (ankle) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (right shoulder).
Bennett injured his ankle on the opening drive of New England’s 33-13 win at Cleveland, but returned and caught three touchdown passes from quarterback Tom Brady, who was returning from his four-game “Deflategate” suspension.
The team also removed linebacker Dont’a Hightower (knee) from the injury report after recovering from an injury he sustained in Week 1.
Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (back, ankle) was ruled out against the Patriots and was the only player listed on the team’s injury report.
