Rob Gronkowski expected to play against Bills

Rob Gronkowski was forced to sit out in Week 7 after his back tightened up on him during practice, but it sounds as though the New England Patriots tight end remains on track to return to the field Monday night.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Gronkowski will play against the Buffalo Bills unless he suffers some sort of setback in warmups.

For tonight’s game against the #Bills, the expectation is that #Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski plays, source said. He is listed as questionable. Barring a setback with his back, he should be good. The week off likely helped his ankle, too.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2018

Gronkowski reportedly suffered back spasms leading up to New England’s game against the Chicago Bears, and he ended up not being able to make the trip with the team. He has also been battling an ankle injury all season, so it has been a while since he played at 100 percent health.

There were some indications that Gronk lost focus during New England’s shootout win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6, but perhaps he has simply been playing hurt. The week off should help in that department.