GNOTD: Rob Gronkowski, Patrick Chung Return to Practice

Slowly but steadily, the New England Patriots are getting healthier across the board. Players like Danny Amendola and Jamie Collins have recently returned to the field, while others are getting close. Among these others is tight end Rob Gronkowski.

According to multiple media reports, Gronkowski returned to Patriots practice today. The All-Pro injured his knee two weeks ago against the Denver Broncos and consequently missed four practices and one game. The injury looked potentially devastating but it turned out that the tight end suffered "only" a bruise.

Gronkowski's return to practice is definitely a positive sign, given that New England's offense has struggled recently without him and Julian Edelman – scheduled to return close to the end of the regular seaon – in the line-up. Still, given his importance to the offense, it would not be a surprise to see Gronkowski remain on the sidelines on Sunday against the Houston Texans. After all, the team needs him healthy come playoff time.

The game's best tight end is not the only starter to return to practice today: safety Patrick Chung also returned after missing yesterday's session due to a foot injury. The Patriots' depth chart at safety is deep so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Chung being declared inactive on Sunday in case he is not 100%.