NFL News: Rob Gronkowski Ruled Out For Patriots In Week 11 Against 49ers
USA Today
The New England Patriots were dealt a major blow last week losing to the Seattle Seahawks in a Super Bowl rematch of two years ago. Along with suffering only their second loss of the season, the Patriots appear to have lost All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski for Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, New England will be without Gronkowski for Sunday’s game in the Bay Area:
The New England Patriots have ruled out tight end Rob Gronkowski for Sunday’s game at the San Francisco 49ers.
The perennial Pro Bowler suffered a chest injury against the Seahawks last week due to a hit from safety Kam Chancellor. Gronkowski admitted one more than once throughout this past week that the hit was far from dirty and one of the hardest he’s ever taken on the football field.
As a result of the hit, Gronkowski missed three straight practices which was a strong indication that he wouldn’t be on the field in Week 11 at Levi’s Stadium, via Reiss:
The Pats listed Gronkowski as out with a chest injury on the injury report released Friday afternoon. He was not present for practice earlier Friday, marking the third straight day he was absent because of the injury sustained Sunday night in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
With Gronkowski officially ruled out for the Patriots’ showdown with the 49ers, New England will turn to fellow tight end Martellus Bennett to pick up the slack. Bennett has had a solid first season with the Patriots catches 38 passes for 504 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
Although not having Gronkowski on the field is always going to hurt the Patriots, New England is as good a team as any in the NFL. Even without Gronkowski and being on the road in Week 11, the Patriots are favored -12.5 over the lowly 49ers this weekend, according to Sportsbook.ag.
