San Francisco 49ers

Patriots' Rob Gronkowski out vs. 49ers with perforated lung

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will miss this week’s game in San Francisco, the team announced.

According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Gronkowski has a perforated lung and is not flying with the team. He did not practice this week and was considered unlikely to play against the 49ers after sustaining the injury during Sunday night’s game against the Seahawks. He was able to finish that game following a hit by Earl Thomas.

The Patriots also have Martellus Bennett at tight end, who stands to benefit from a fantasy standpoint working the middle of the field. Bennett shone earlier in the season as Gronkowski recovered from a hamstring injury. The 49ers are 1–8 and have struggled defensively all season. The Patriots have been reliant on the run game and LeGarrette Blount in short-yardage situations this season, as well: the tailback ran for 3 touchdowns last week and has scored in five straight games.

Also out for the Patriots is wide receiver Chris Hogan.

New England plays San Francisco at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.

This article originally appeared on