The Patriots owner recently had back surgery and will sit out the Saturday ceremony on what he called injured reserve.
Robert Kraft will not be at Gillette Stadium on Saturday when Rob Gronkowski is inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. The team owner recently underwent back surgery and says the recovery will keep him sidelined for the induction and beyond.
Kraft described his own situation in football terms, saying the surgery has put him on "injured reserve." No further details were given about the timeline for his return to regular duties with the franchise.
The absence means Kraft will miss honoring one of the most decorated players in franchise history. Gronkowski, a key piece of multiple championship teams during his career with the Patriots, is set to be formally inducted into the team's Hall of Fame this weekend regardless of the owner's attendance.
It is not yet clear what, if any, role Kraft will play in the ceremony from afar, or when he is expected to resume his normal public appearances with the team.