The Patriots will be without their All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski for the second consecutive game when they take on the Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
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According to Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran, Gronkowski is close to being ready to make his regular-season debut, but his hamstring injury is still significant enough to keep him sidelined for Sunday's AFC East matchup.
The Patriots have a quick turnaround for their Week 3 game on Thursday night against the Texans. It's unclear as to whether or Gronkowski will be healthy enough to play in that game, but another few days off should increase his chances.
Gronkowski suffered the hamstring injury on Aug. 15 during a joint training-camp practice with the Bears and was forced to miss last week's season opener in Arizona. In his absence, the Patriots used tight end Martellus Bennett primarily as a blocker.
ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report that Gronkowski would not play against the Dolphins.