Gronk won't face Patriots, could reportedly miss weeks with fractured ribs

Rob Gronkowski will have to wait a bit longer to make his much-anticipated return to Gillette Stadium to face the New England Patriots.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end didn't travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts on Saturday, ruling him out for Sunday's clash, the team announced.

Gronkowski injured his ribs during last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. His initial X-rays reportedly came back negative, but additional MRIs showed the five-time Pro Bowler fractured multiple ribs and could remain sidelined for more than one week, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians said Friday morning Gronkowski would be a game-time decision, but the Buccaneers listed him as doubtful on their injury report later that day.

Gronkowski leads Tampa Bay with four touchdown catches this season. He's also racked up 16 receptions for 184 yards through three appearances.

The 32-year-old, who spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Patriots, has battled multiple injuries throughout his career, and he cited those ailments among the reasons for his eventual one-year retirement in 2019. He played in all 16 regular-season games in his first year with the Buccaneers in 2020, finishing the campaign with 623 yards and seven touchdowns on 43 receptions.

Tampa Bay has one of the NFL's deepest receiving corps, while Gronkowski's absence could increase O.J. Howard's workload at tight end.

On Saturday, the Buccaneers also ruled out linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul for Sunday due to shoulder and hand injuries. Pierre-Paul was listed as questionable Friday after being sidelined in Week 3.

The Sunday Night Football matchup between the Buccaneers and Patriots is one of the most anticipated regular-season games in NFL history as the first clash between legendary quarterback Tom Brady and his former team.

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