Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots preview, prediction, team news: Pats' Rob Gronkowski expected to play in Divisional Playoffs

Rob GronkowskiWikimedia Commons/Wellslogan

As the New England Patriots prepare for their Divisional Playoffs matchup versus the Kansas City Chiefs this Saturday, they are hoping star tight end Rob Gronkowski will see action despite nursing a knee injury. 

Gronkowski originally suffered the right knee injury in the middle of the 2015 regular season, but only missed one game. 

The 26-year-old practiced last Wednesday but was limited because of the knee, and in a report by ESPN, got treatment for the injury on Thursday. 

According to the report, a person with knowledge about the procedure said Gronkowski also had an injection for the knee. 

The Patriots are expecting Gronkowski to play versus the Chiefs but as Thursday's practice ended, he was listed with knee and back injuries. 

Gronkowski still uncertain for New England is something to worry about for the defending Super Bowl champions. 

The 2010 second-round pick has been an efficient contributor for the Patriots in the past few seasons and they need him since a number of key offensive players for the team are already out due to injuries.

In the 2015 regular season, Gronkowski had 72 catches for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs practiced for the last time this week Thursday ahead of the playoff game without leading receiver Jeremy Maclin and linebackers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, according to another report by ESPN

The report added that a decision regarding the playing status of the three may not be made until Saturday's playoff game versus New England. 

Maclin suffered a high ankle sprain in their Wild Card Playoffs win over the Houston Texans but was in practice, only doing drills. 

Like Gronkowski to the Pats, the Chiefs are also hoping Maclin will be able to play since he is a crucial part of Kansas City's offense this season, his first year with the team.