Rob Gronkowski, T.J. Ward out for Buccaneers vs. Patriots

Rob Gronkowski will not play tonight. The New England Patriots star tight end is officially inactive after suffering an injury on the final day of pre-game practice.

The Patriots will also miss cornerback Eric Rowe and running back Rex Burkhead due to injury, while they left veteran defensive lineman Alan Branch at home after a very disappointing start to the season.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have plenty of injuries to cope with, too. Starting linebackers Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander are both out, as are starting safeties Keith Tandy and T.J. Ward.

That means rookie safety Justin Evans will get his first start against Tom Brady, with rookie Kendell Beckwith at middle linebacker. What could possibly go wrong there? Doug Martin, at least, will make his season debut tonight after serving a suspension for the first three games of the season.

Buccaneers inactives: LB Lavonte David LB Kwon Alexander FS Keith Tandy SS T.J. Ward OT Leonard Wester C Joe Hawley

Patriots inactives: CB Eric Rowe, RB Rex Burkhead, DL Alan Branch, OL Cole Croston, LB Harvey Laugi, TE Rob Gronkowski, OL LaAdrian Waddle.