AP

At first, the reports and counter reports regarding the status of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski provided great cover for the team, keeping opponents guessing about his availability and forcing them to prepare for the possibility that they will or won’t face him.

Now that the reports and counter reports have shed light on possible locker-room conflict and resentment regarding the disconnect between Gronkowski’s performances in practice and inability to play, the Patriots have decided to clamp down.

As Tom Curran of CSN New England explained on Monday’s Pro Football Talk on NBCSN, the Pats have put out the word to quit talking about any injured players. As a result, it has been difficult if not impossible to get updates regarding receiver Danny Amendola (apparent concussion), cornerback Aqib Talib (hip flexor strain, reportedly), and linebacker Jerod Mayo (arm in sling, which likely wasn’t a fashion statement).

Curran also said that team security is trying to find out who has been talking about Gronkowski. Presumably, the focal point will be the leaks regarding players unhappy with Gronkowski for not playing.

The last we heard on Gronkowski is that he’ll miss at most one more game. And that may be the last we hear about Gronkowski. Ever.