Gronkowski Returns To Patriots Practice
BOSTON (CBS) -- If you're hoping that Rob Gronkowski returns Sunday night for the Patriots, Thursday's practice is an encouraging sign. New England's All-Word tight end returned to practice Thursday, wearing a brace on his right knee. Safety Patrick Chung also returned to practice, while Julian Edelman was the only Patriot missing from practice as he remains sidelined with a foot injury.
The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe tweeted that linebacker Dont'a Hightower was spotted at practice with a "heavily wrapped" left knee. His, and Gronk's, status for Sunday night's tilt against the Houston Texans remains up in the air.
Reports from media in attendance at practice indicate that Gronk is showing good movement with his braced knee - and also showing his fun-loving side.
That Gronk moved well and seemed to be in good spirits at practice (along with the grumpy-of-late Bill Belichick) is a good sign for his potential availability this Sunday, but of course those questions won't be answered until the Friday injury report comes out. And if Gronk is ultimately a game-time decision, you may have to wait until Sunday night to know if he's back.
Even if Gronk is not expected to play against the Texans and this high-five-heavy return is just for show, his presence on the practice field ought to force Bill O'Brien's defense to prepare for him.
Click here for the full practice report from both teams.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read more from Matt here. Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
