Sports

Patriots defend Rob Gronkowski, prepare to play without him

Tom Brady was absent from practice Thursday for the second straight day. this is the first time this year that he has missed back-to-back practices. Also absent because of his suspension, Rob Gronkowski who's not allowed to have any contact with the team until Tuesday.

After clearing the concussion protocol Thursday, Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White called the NFL's one-game suspension of Rob Gronkowski "a joke" and referred to thePatriots tight end as a "dirty player" for his illegal hit in Sunday's game.

Dwayne Allen said he wouldn't respond to Tre'Davious White's comments aboutGronkowski but offered his personal view of Gronk. "Rob is a tremendous player and high-character guy who loves his teammates and loves playing the game of football, and goes about playing the game the right way," Allen said.