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.

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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.