Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski misses practice yet again

The New England Patriots may be without one of their best offensive weapons in Week 5. Superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski is currently dealing with an ankle injury as the team approaches their matchup with the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football.

Gronkowski hasn’t been himself this year with the perennial Pro Bowler not having his best season up to this point. The ankle issue might be a part of his lack of production on the field as it has been a consistent problem this week leading up to Thursday’s game, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Rob Gronkowski (ankle) not spotted at the start of today’s walkthrough practice.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 2, 2018

In four games this season, Gronkowski has caught only 17 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown. These are poor numbers for a player expected to make a considerable impact on a weekly basis and a consistent threat in the end zone as a favorite target of quarterback Tom Brady.

If Gronkowski is unable to go for Thursday’s matchup against the Colts, the Patriots will likely look to Dwayne Allen to shoulder the load. Fortunately for New England, Julian Edelman will return from suspension for Week 5 and should give Brady another reliable option in the passing game against an Indianapolis side which is better than expected.

With the Miami Dolphins playing at a high level this season and at .500 at this point, the storied franchise will want to get every win they can as it may not be as easy to come away with the AFC East title this time around.