Rob Gronkowski to miss second straight game

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will not play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins because of a hamstring injury.

This is the second straight week Gronkowski has missed after injuring the hamstring Aug. 15 in a joint practice with the Chicago Bears.

The Patriots listed Gronkowski among their inactives for Sunday's game, along with linebacker Dont'a Hightower, cornerback Eric Rowe, defensive lineman Anthony Johnson, tight end AJ Derby, guard Jonathan Cooper and offensive lineman LaAdrian Waddle.

Hightower didn't practice all week with a knee injury. He usually stays on the field as part of all defensive packages and is the team's defensive signal-caller. Jamie Collins will likely take over those duties Sunday.

Gronkowski participated in practice on a limited basis throughout the week. The Patriots listed him as questionable in their injury report Friday.

Martellus Bennett replaced Gronkowski as the starting tight end in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals and tallied three receptions for 14 yards on five targets. Bennett played 69 of the Patriots' 71 offensive snaps and was used mostly as a blocker, with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels complimenting his work in that area.

ESPN staff writer Mike Reiss contributed to this report.