New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will not travel with the team to Cincinnati and will miss Sunday's contest against the Bengals, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday, per a source informed of the decision. Meanwhile, Pats receiver Danny Amendola will make the trip and is listed as questionable.
NFL Media's Albert Breer later reported that Amendola has a good shot to play Sunday, per two sources connected to the situation. The final call on Amendola's status likely will come pregame, per Breer.
The Gronk news comes as no surprise as Rapoport reported Friday that the tight end was a long shot to play Sunday. Rapoport noted last week on NFL Network's "NFL GameDay Morning" that some inside the Patriots organization believe Gronkowski's father has been vocal in his son's decision not to rush back onto the field. Gronk had expressed a desire to return Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints.
Amendola making the trip is good news for the Pats. The receiver is dealing with a groin injury and was limited in practice this week. His presence could give Tom Brady a reliable receiver over the middle.
Brady has carried the Patriots to a 4-0 start despite struggles by young receivers and missing several of his most trustworthy targets. If Amendola is able to go Sunday it will make the quarterback's job much easier.
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