The New England Patriots had Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski return for workouts this week, but both players are expected to be out for Week 14. The Pats are expected to have Danny Amendola and Scott Chandler in the starting lineup despite both players being limited in practice for Tom Brady on Thursday.
Edelman has been out for the Patriots since back in Week 10 and while the team was expecting him to return for the playoffs, there was some optimism that he could be back before that. According to the Boston Herald, Jeff Howe reports that Edelman was at practice on Friday and while he did not participate with the team, he was able to take part in some drills on the field. Howe reported that Gronkowski was also on the field this week and that he was wearing a "bulky plastic brace" on his knee.
Edelman is not expected back for a few weeks, but this is a good sign for his progress after having foot surgery. Gronkowski missed last week with a knee injury after suffering the injury against the Broncos and he likely will be out for Week 14. Gronkowski said that he is considered "week-to-week" at this point and that he will come back when he is "100 percent" ready to return. The Patriots have lost two straight games and now will try and rebound against the Texans on Sunday.
Adam Schefter at ESPN reported that Gronkowski is unlikely to play this week and that could put him on track to return over the next couple weeks if he shows progress. Gronkowski has been the top target for Tom Brady all season and this year he comes in with 57 catches for 931 yards and nine touchdowns for the Patriots. Edelman had been the top WR option before fracturing his foot and this week Amendola and Chandler will continue to step in for those players.
Chandler was limited in practice on Thursday, but reports have him in no danger of missing the game on Sunday. Chandler has been solid over the past two games with Gronkowski injured, putting up nine catches for over 100 yards and two touchdowns in that span. Amendola missed the game against the Broncos two weeks ago, but he was able to return last week against the Eagles and is now the top WR option for Brady until Edelman can return.
The Patriots are currently third in the AFC coming into the game against the Texans and they are behind the Bengals and Broncos, who are also 10-2. The team is getting JJ Watt a bit banged up this week, as Watt broke his hand in practice, but he is expected to play on Sunday.
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