New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski missed his third straight practice on Friday because of a chest injury, making him unlikely to play in Sunday's road game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Gronkowski sustained the injury in last Sunday night's 31-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He took a hard hit from Seahawks safety Earl Thomas and temporarily had to leave the game in the first half.
There has been speculation Gronkowski may also have a lung injury. A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter the injury is "not overly serious" and that Gronkowski does not have a punctured lung, as has been reported.
If Gronkowski doesn't make the trip to the Bay Area, Martellus Bennett and Matt Lengel are the two available tight ends on the roster.
Bennett, who has 38 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns this season, would get the start if Gronkowski sits out the game.
Gronkowski missed two games earlier this season due to a hamstring injury.
