Gronkowski, Edelman back at practice for Patriots

The Patriots, who had ideal attendance at practice for the first time since October 14 listed 7 others players as questionable Patrick Chung (foot), Don’t’a Hightower (knee), Danny Amednola (knee), Scott Chandler (knee), Matthew Slater (stinger), Josh Kline (shoulder) and Justin Coleman (hand).

Julian Edelman returned to practice on Friday, joining fellow injured superstar Rob Gronkowski and giving Patriots fans hope for a healthy offense in the near future.

Edelman said he wasn’t surprised that he made a return so quickly after the injury, which most estimated would keep him out until the playoffs. Edelman wouldn’t detail what he was able to do during practice. But Edelman remains sidelined, as he is ruled “out” and will not play against the Texans, while Gronkowski is listed as “questionable” with his knee injury suffered against Denver in Week 12.

Practicing on Friday means he could theoretically be way ahead of schedule – with four weeks left in the regular season, it’s not out of the question for him to return before the playoffs start.

“It’s always good to be out there with your teammates and staff and put the cleats on and run around”, Edelman said.

“I’m doing everything I can to get better every single day, and it feels good to be back just with my teammates”, Gronkowski said.

Looks like Edelman is, at the very least, on schedule.

The two-game losing streak has added some urgency to the return of Edelman and Gronkowski.

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The pair shared a jovial high-five while they stretched together, and Bill Belichick had a good laugh at the duo in the background, probably playing to the audience a day after a spirited embrace from Belichick and Gronkowski.