Prior to Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, the New England Patriots made the decision keep Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski out of the mix due to issues pertaining his back.

According to Michael Giardi of The NFL Network, Gronkowski was reportedly suffering from back spasms on Friday that led to him inactive designation for Week 7 action but there is the belief that this is a short-term issue that could have him in play for next Monday's game against the Buffalo Bills.

Article Continues Below
More Patriots News
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens
Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski recreate Lombardi Trophy boat moment with a twistGuillermo Guajardo ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) warms up before the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium.
Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers earns prestigious tag that’ll leave Patriots fans screamingJaren Kawada ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) walks to the podium to speak to the media after minicamp held in the WIN Field House at Gillette Stadium.
Josh Allen sends Patriots’ Drake Maye an inspiring Stefon Diggs messageBenedetto Vitale ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) makes a catch during minicamp at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots’ Kyle Williams shows rookie swagger, ready to prove himselfJosh Davis ·
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) before the preseason game at Nissan Stadium.
Tom Brady’s endorsement of Mike Vrabel will inspire confidenceScotty White ·
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to defensive end Keion White (99) and linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (44) after minicamp held in the WIN Field House at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots’ stud signing bringing ‘physicality’ to Mike VrabelLorenzo J Reyna ·

This was likely an easy decision for the Patriots given the history that Gronkowski has with back injuries that includes back surgery over the course of his career. It is an issue that the franchise is well aware of and wants to avoid any long-term setbacks as he is a key piece of their offense as a primary target in the passing game.

He has put together a productive start to the season with 26 catches for 405 receiving yards but has just one touchdown. Throughout his career, Rob Gronkowski has proven to be a major target in end zone tallying up 77 career touchdowns. He may have a notable lack of production in that department but it isn’t something that the Patriots look to have any real concern over becoming a consistent issue. Instead, the focus may be shifting toward getting him physically prepared for the rest of the season where he will play a big part in helping the team get back to the Super Bowl.

New England has continued to hit stride over the last few weeks after ripping off their fourth straight win that has elevated them to the top spot in the AFC East once again. The return of Gronkowski just adds another major factor back to the mix that should see them squarely in the mix for one of the top playoff seeds.