Patriots' Rob Gronkowski: Not at practice Wednesday

Gronkowski (back) was not at practice Wednesday, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis:

Gronkowski was forced out of this past Sunday's game against the Jets late in the first quarter and his status for this weekend's game against the Rams is cloudy as a result. Considering his injury history, which includes past issues with his back, we suspect that the Patriots will proceed cautiously with the tight end in Week 13, while keeping the long haul in mind.