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Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski returns to practice

New England tight end Rob Gronkowski is attended to after being injured against Denver on Sunday night.

New England tight end Rob Gronkowski is attended to after being injured against Denver on Sunday night.

(Jack Dempsey / Associated Press)
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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.

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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.

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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.

DeMarco Murray made no demands in his first comments to reporters since a report said that he complained about his role to Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie on the plane ride home after Sunday’s 35-28 victory over the Patriots. Murray said he sat next to Lurie by coincidence. “I love playing for this team, I love the fans,” the 2014 NFL rushing champion said. “When I signed on that dotted line I knew I was going to be here for a long time and I’m committed to win a lot of games here. Obviously, it’s a tough year for myself and the team so far, but we’ve still got a chance.” ... The effort to keep the NFL in St. Louis cleared a major hurdle when a committee of city aldermen approved a financing plan for a new $1-billion stadium. But in a radio interview, NFL executive Eric Grubman said the city “will fall short of having a compelling proposal that would attract the Rams.” ... Darrelle Revis returned to practice with the New York Jets on a limited basis for the first time since suffering a concussion in a Nov. 22 game and the cornerback said he had his sights set on playing Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

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