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The Chicago Bears may be dodging a bullet on Sunday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday that New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski did not travel with the team to Chicago and is unlikely to play this week. Gronkowski appeared on the injury report on Friday with a back injury.
Through six games this year, the five-time Pro Bowler has 26 receptions, 405 yards and a touchdown. He leads the Patriots in receiving yards, and he sits in second place on the team in receptions.
Although not ruled out entirely, it appears as though Gronkowski will not play against the Bears. His absence brings about a huge sigh of relief for Chicago, who would have a difficult time finding someone on their defense to match up with him athletically. Gronkowski being injured will allow the Bears to focus on the likes of Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, Sony Michel and James White.