Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was able to continue playing against the Seahawks last Sunday night after taking a big hit from safety Earl Thomas, but the effects of the hit are lingering into the practice week.
Gronkowski did not participate in practice on Wednesday with what the team is calling a chest injury. There was a report that Gronkowski suffered a punctured lung when Thomas nailed him, although that was followed by one disputing that diagnosis.
Whatever the specific injury, it was enough to keep Gronkowski from working with the rest of the team as they started the week of practice ahead of their game with the 49ers.
Four other members of the Patriots were limited participants, but quarterback Tom Brady is not among them after saying he was sore following a low hit during the loss to Seattle.