The New England Patriots got a welcomed sight on the practice field Thursday. With injuries stacking up on the offense and two straight losses under their belt, the Patriots are hoping for a bounce-back game against the Houston Texans, but injuries will make that hard to do. However, New England might be getting back their biggest play maker in Week 14 as Rob Gronkowski made his reappearance on Thursday.
According to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, Gronkowski returned to practice for the first time since suffering a knee sprain and bone bruise against the Denver Broncos. The tight end wore a brace over his right knee as he went through warmups with the team and participated in a limited fashion. According to reports, Gronkowski looked upbeat and ready to go, but that does not mean he will be active in Week 14. According to Reiss, there is no time table for the tight end's return to the field as the Patriots want to remain cautious. According to NESN.com, the Patriots might not hesitate to keep him out to the postseason, but a return to practice might mean that is not the case. Tom Brady hopes so.
"He's a great player. I always wish we'd have everyone, whether it's Jules [Julian Edelman] or Gronk. Different guys are dealing with different things. It's part of football season. You still have to be mentally tough to overcome whatever adversity you face and try to win a game. It may take on a little different form," Brady said, via ESPN.com.
If Gronkowski were to not be healthy, the Patriots would once again be in the hole offensively. Without Julian Edelman, they are lacking for playmakers. Danny Amendola would be the man in charge while Scott Chandler and Brandon LaFell will have to step up and play better than they did against the Philadelphia Eagles. The run game will also need to see something better. LeGarrette Blount might have a hard time against the tough Texans' defense which might let James White have another breakout game. He took over the role of Dion Lewis and thrived in Week 13.
Amendola told the media that he is excited for the trip to Texas where he is originally from. The Houston defense has been inconsistent in the secondary this season and if Gronkowski is out for the game, the offense will once again be on Amendola's shoulders, something he does not mind.
"(The Texans) got a lot of good players in the secondary," Amendola said, via NESN.com. "A lot of experience, really athletic and they play hard. Well-coached, too. It's going to be a tough task."
