NFL Roundup: Gronkowski, Amendola miss Patriots' trip

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Danny Amendola did not travel with the team to Atlanta on Saturday and will not play Sunday night against the Falcons, according to ESPN.

Gronkowski has practiced the past two weeks, but has not been cleared to play as he recovers from back and forearm surgeries.

Gronkowski could have been placed on the physically unable to perform list and been permitted to play in Week 7. The Patriots rolled the dice expecting him to be close to 100 percent by Week 3 or Week 4.

Gronkowski has not played since he was injured in the regular-season finale in December 2012. He missed five games last season between Nov. 22 and Dec. 23 with a broken forearm. He had multiple forearm and back surgeries in the offseason.

According to ESPN, Gronkowski's inner circle of friends and family want assurance he is fully recovered before he plays again.

His $3.75 million salary for next season is guaranteed, as well as his $250,000 offseason bonus. In 2015, his $4.75 million salary is guaranteed for injury only. He also has a $250,000 offseason bonus.

As for Amendola, he said he feels like he is "really close" to being ready to return from a groin injury. The Patriots are being cautious with him as he has a history of leg injuries.

---Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman is expected to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

Tillman is listed as questionable with knee and groin injuries, but the NFL Network reported Saturday that he will play.

Bears coach Marc Trestman said he was "reasonably optimistic" Tillman would play.

Tillman, 32, has 14 tackles and two interceptions this season. He has not missed a start since 2009. He missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, and returned on a limited basis Friday.