Fantasy Football: New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski out vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was inactive for Thursday night's game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

ESPN and the NFL Network, each citing sources, reported the standout tight end will miss the game due to a thigh injury.

Gronkowski was a full participant in practice Monday and Tuesday but was listed as limited in Wednesday's practice session, which was a walkthrough for the Patriots (2-2).

His absence robs New England of its top receiving target. Gronkowski has 20 receptions and two touchdowns on the season. In the past three games, he is averaging six catches and 95 yards receiving.

Veteran Dwayne Allen, an offseason acquisition, has zero catches on the season and undrafted rookie Jacob Hollister (two receptions) are the only other tight ends on the roster.

Gronkowski played in all 70 of the team's offensive snaps in a 33-30 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. He did not mention an injury when meeting with reporters on Tuesday.

"Just to prepare for a Thursday night game is totally a lot different," Gronkowski said of his preparation. "You're on top of it right away. You've got to be on top of your body right away starting yesterday, maybe do some overtime extra stuff tonight but to be ready, to be prepared you've got to go full in this week. ... So just go full in getting ready for the game Thursday night and you'll be good."