The New England Patriots will be without tight end Rob Gronkowski for their clash with the New Orleans Saints, according to reports.

The 24-year-old was in line to play his first game of the campaign this Sunday after making significant progress in his recovery from off-season surgeries on his forearm and back.

However, due to concerns from Gronkowski's family, the tight end will not feature for the Patriots until they are fully satisfied that he is healthy despite featuring in all of his side's practices since week one of the season, suggest several media reports.

Gronkowski hasn't played for Bill Belichick's side since their Divisional Round playoff win over the Houston Texans in January.