Report: Patriots' Amendola could be out until playoffs with high ankle sprain

New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola suffered a high ankle sprain during Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Rams, and the team's plan is to make sure he's healthy enough to play in the playoffs, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

It appears the Patriots will take a cautious approach to Amendola's injury, with little to gain from rushing him back.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski is already done for the season, so New England cannot afford to lose another offensive weapon for the playoffs.

Though the AFC East is all but wrapped up, it seems like the Patriots will have to fight for the No. 1 seed without Amendola.

Rookie Malcolm Mitchell will likely see his role expand even further with Amendola sidelined.