Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski returns to practice

Rob Gronkowski was back on the practice field Thursday, just 11 days after suffering a knee injury in a Sunday night loss to the Denver Broncos.

With no timeline set on his return, Gronkowski, who sprained his right knee and also suffered a bone bruise, was back after missing four New England Patriots practices. He was wearing a brace on the knee.

The team’s injury report for the day had Gronkowski as one of nine players who had “limited participation” in the practice. The Friday report is more definitive.

The Patriots and the Gronkowski family issued a joint statement two days after the game saying there was no timetable for the tight end’s return.

Thursday’s workout was not in full pads and there was no indication whether Gronkowski will play Sunday night at Houston. Coach Bill Belichick monitored Gronkowski as he jogged before the practice.

The players met with the media before practice and Gronkowski, who normally talks on Thursdays, was not made available.

Gronkowski is second on the Patriots with 57 receptions, trailing only Julian Edelman, who has missed the last three-plus games with a broken foot.

Etc.

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