New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was limited in practice this past week, but it appears those restrictions will increase on Sunday.
The Patriots officially listed Gronkowski as questionable for today’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport does not expect him to play.
From #GameDay First: Rob Gronkowski is unlikely to play today. It's his forearm holding him back, not his back. Needs to be full strength
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2013
Gronkowski is recovering from offseason back surgery, which explained why he has not played in a regular season game this year. However, news that Gronkowski’s forearm is the main reason for his lack of activity is unexpected.
Since last November, Gronkowski has reportedly endured four surgeries to repair a left forearm that he broke twice during the 2012 regular and postseason. Gronkowski’s forearm was reportedly not an issue, but it appears to be a bigger problem than most people were aware of.
Other notable injuries:
Chargers: Rookie right tackle D.J. Fluker sustained a concussion during practice and will not play against the Tennessee Titans, according to U-T San Diego. Second-year right tackle Michael Harris is expected to start in his place.
Lions: Running back Reggie Bush is not expected to play against Washington, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Due to knee injury, Lions RB Reggie Bush is not expected to play today vs. Washington. He is expected to play next week.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2013
Cardinals: Schefter is also reporting that receiver Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring) and running back Rashard Mendenhall (toe) will play against the New Orleans Saints today. Both players were listed as questionable heading into this game. However, defensive tackle Dan Williams will miss today's game because his father was killed in a car accident, according to ESPN.com.
Packers: Running back Eddie Lacy (concussion) will not play against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to ESPN reporter Rob Demovsky.
Texans: Safety Ed Reed (hip) is expected to make his Houston debut today against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Rapoport:
Said earlier the plan was for Ed Reed to play today. So… yup, he's playing, per source. And starting. Should be a nice homecoming.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2013
Saints: Running back Mark Ingram (toe) will not play against the Arizona Cardinals, according to the team's official Twitter account.
Ravens: Running back Ray Rice (hip flexor) has officially be ruled out of today's game against the Houston Texans.
Giants: Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul will start ahead of Mathias Kiwanuka, according to NJ.com's Conor Orr.
Patriots: In addition to Gronkowski, receiver Danny Amendola (groin) will not play today.
We will update the list of inactives as more news develops today.