The tight end is a key player for the Patriots and one of Tom Brady’s most favoured targets.
Gronkowksi is a two-time Super Bowl winner having been drafted by New England in 2010.
He’s reached the Pro Bowl five times and was the NFL’s receiving touchdown leader in 2011 with 17 regular season trips to the end zone.
In his rookie season, the 29-year-old became the youngest player with three receptions in a game, doing it aged 21 against the Steelers.
But he won’t be making any touchdowns tonight with the former Arizona star missing out.
Why is Rob Gronkowski not playing?
Gronkowski had been listed as questionable all week despite playing in Week 8.
The tight end missed Week 7 but sits out with a back and ankle injury.
He had been suffering with back spasms earlier in the season and is sure to be a big miss for Brady and the Patriots.
Former Patriots coaching assistant Mike Lombardi said this week: “I’ve always thought Gronk’s a great player.
“I think Gronk is a Hall of Fame player, but he’s not right.
“He doesn’t look like the same player right now. He’s always catching the ball in a crowd.
“He’s not separating from anybody. He’s a huge target, don’t get me wrong, and he makes some unbelievable catches, but in terms of just being open, it’s not easy for him right now.
“Whether it’s his back, whether it’s his lower body right now, I don’t know.”
Patriots vs Packers live stream
Fans in the UK and Ireland will be able to watch the game live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event.
Existing customers will also be able to live stream the action via the Sky Go app, but non-subscription holders can still tune in by purchasing at NOW TV sports pass.
Day Passes start at £7.99 and give you 24 hours of access to Sky Sports channels without locking into a contract. Fans based in the USA can follow the action on NBC.