Patriots' Rob Gronkowski: Not expected to play again this season

The Patriots don't expect Gronkowski to play for the rest of the 2016 season, though the team will await the results of his back surgery Friday before making a final determination on that front.

Analysis:

Meanwhile, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport indicates that IR is a likely destination for the tight end; either way, Gronkowski's indefinite absence paves the way for Martellus Bennett to serve as the Patriots' No. 1 TE and likely sets the stage for the team to utilize additional three-wideout sets moving forward.