NFL Rumors: Rob Gronkowski Not Expected To Play For Patriots Vs. Bucs

UPDATE (5:33 p.m. ET): New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski now is not expected to play Thursday night, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

UPDATE (5:25 p.m. ET): Patriots fans received some troubling news Thursday afternoon regarding the status of their team’s top tight end.

After NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Rob Gronkowski was expected to play Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter cited a source saying Gronkowski’s status for the game remains iffy.

Gronkowski, who was added to the Patriots’ injury report Wednesday, is listed as questionable with a thigh injury. If he cannot play, expect to see an increase in playing time for Dwayne Allen and Jacob Hollister, who have combined for just two receptions this season.

Allen, whom the Patriots acquired from the Indianapolis Colts this past spring, has yet to catch his first pass in a Patriots uniform.

ORIGINAL STORY: Fear not, New England Patriots fans: Rob Gronkowski should be on the field Thursday night.

Gronkowski is expected to play in the Patriots’ Week 5 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday morning. He might not be 100 percent, however.

The Patriots tight end popped up on the team’s injury report Wednesday as questionable with a thigh injury despite not appearing on the injury report the entire week.

He didn’t appear any worse for wear in Week 4, playing all 70 of New England’s offensive snaps while catching four passes for 80 yards in a loss to the Carolina Panthers.

At the very least, we know Gronk will be in the building, as he traveled with the team to Tampa on Wednesday.

Kickoff in Tampa is set for 8:25 p.m. ET, as the 2-2 Pats look to bounce back from last Sunday’s loss.

Thumbnail photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images