As the New England Patriots prepare for their stretch run towards the playoffs, injuries are beginning to become a factor. Rob Gronkowski has missed quite a bit of time this season with injury, but now it is another tight end that is expected to miss some serious time with a knee injury.

According to a report from Michael Giardi of the NFL Network, Dwayne Allen is expected to miss a few weeks due to a knee injury that he suffered on Sunday.

Thankfully for the Patriots, Allen has not been a key part of the offense even with Gronkowski missing time. He has caught just three passes for 27 yards on the season. That being said, depth could become an issue at some point later in the year.

Allen has played the last two seasons with the Patriots after spending his first four with the Indianapolis Colts. He is 28 years old and likely doesn't have a long-term future in New England.

If the Patriots are forced to play with Gronkowski and Allen, they would turn to Jacob Hollister and Ryan Izzo. Neither player has had a role with the Patriots this year, although Hollister has caught four passes for 52 yards.

Tom Brady is the kind of quarterback that will be just fine no matter who takes the field. Allen missing time is disappointing, but it shouldn't cause too many issues for the Patriots.

Expect to see Allen back in time for the postseason and to help in blocking situations, which is seemingly how he has been used this season.