Belichick on Gronkowski: Check the injury report

“Just mentally, physically to be back with them out on the practice field, and any other questions, you’ve just got to talk to Coach Belichick”.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski returned to practice for the first time Thursday afternoon.

Gronkowski was limited in Thursday’s practice and was unable to be with the team in their practice Wednesday, also missing their Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday due to the injured knee.

Reporters at the scene said he was wearing a knee brace. “I always wish we’d have everyone, whether it’s Jules Julian Edelman or Gronk”.

Players met with the media before practice. He is the biggest match-up nightmare in the entire National Football League, and his presence on the field clearly makes a huge difference for the Patriots. The club and his family issued a joint statement on Thursday.

While seeing him back on the practice field is incredibly encouraging, I do not expect to see Gronkowski back on the field for the Patriots match-up against the Houston Texans on Sunday night. “There is no timetable for his readiness to return, which will be determined in the days or hours prior to the appropriate game”.