Patriots' Rob Gronkowski: Will be held out Friday

Gronkowski will be held out of Friday's preseason game against the Panthers, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis:

The Patriots' star tight end was able to return to the practice field earlier in the week, but they'll take the cautious route with Gronkowski on Friday by keeping him on the sidelines. Given that it's rare to see starters take the field in the preseason's final week, we may not see Gronkowski in uniform again until the Patriots kick off their regular season. New England figures to give plenty of snaps to Martellus Bennett on Friday, but reserves like A.J. Derby and Clay Harbor should see playing time as well.