The Rams are heavy underdogs for Sunday's game at New England, but at least they can stop game-planning for Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Gronkowski is scheduled to undergo back surgery Friday in Los Angeles, according to multiple reports.
Gronkowski has had a series of injuries this season.
He suffered a chest injury that forced him to sit out against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 but played against the New York Jets last week.
Gronkowski has 25 receptions, three for touchdowns.
Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Wednesday that he was preparing for Gronkowski and quarterback Tom Brady regardless of their not practicing on Tuesday.
"I don't know what the situation is, we'll see," Fisher said of Gronkowski. "He's an impact player on their offense. But I can assure you that Tom is going to show up; he always does, week after week after week. At his age and with his experience, he doesn't need a lot of practice reps. We're not going to be misled by the lack of practice as far as the quarterback is concerned."
Even with Gronkowski's absence, the Rams still have a formidable challenge defending Patriots tight ends.
Martellus Bennett has 43 catches, four for touchdowns.
