New England Patriots announce Rob Gronkowski out vs. Tennessee Titans

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will be sidelined for the third time in the last four games.

The New England Patriots enter their Week 10 matchup with the Tennessee Titans on a roll. They have won six consecutive games, most of which have been in dominant fashion.

While the defense has begun to figure things out, the offense has remained a well-oiled machine. Led by Tom Brady, New England continues to put up points despite uncertainty at the skill positions around him.

The Patriots haven’t had their full allotment of weapons available once this season. Rex Burkhead has been on IR and Sony Michel has battled injury as well. In their place, James White and Cordarrelle Patterson, yes the wide receiver, have filled in.

Another player who has struggled with their health is Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski has battled ankle and back injuries, which has caused him to miss two of the last three games.

Gronkowski sat out against the Chicago Bears in Week 7, Gronkowski returned to the field in Week 8 for Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills. However, he returned to the sidelines in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers, and will now be sidelined again.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Gronkowski will sit out the Week 10 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.

Rapoport is citing a conservative approach in New England, hoping they can get Gronkowski back to 100 percent for the stretch run with the bye next week.

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This is a good decision by Bill Belichick and company. A healthy Gronkowski would help the Patriots make another deep run in the postseason. Gronkowski is a game changer when he is healthy and able. Unfortunately, that has not been often this season.

Recently, Gronkowski talked about how tough the 2018 season has been for him. Things have been difficult for Gronkowski, even before the season began when retirement and contract talks dominated the headlines.

With Gronkowski sidelined, the Patriots will once again be relying on Dwayne Allen at tight end. Allen isn’t much of a receiving threat, so expect White to see plenty of opportunities again.

With the bye next week, Gronkowski will have three weeks of recovery time. Hopefully, that is enough to get him healthy and ready to get back on the field.

Following the game this week against the Titans, the Patriots will return to the field on Nov. 25 against the New York Jets back at Gillette Stadium. The goal is to have Gronkowski ready to roll for that game.