The Patriots have lost two games in a row for the first time since 2012. Some questioned whether Edelman would be able to return from his foot injury in time for the playoffs.
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Edelman broke a bone in his left foot on the final play of the first quarter against the Giants.
Edelman suffered the injury on November 15, and hadn’t played in a game or participated in a practice since. The New England Patriots had already given indications that he could be back, saving Edelman’s roster spot rather than putting him on injured reserve. Later Friday, the Patriots ruled the receiver out for Sunday’s night’s game against the Houston Texans.
Gronkowski made a surprising return to the practice field on Thursday, following a knee sprain.
“I’m doing everything I can to get better every single day and it feels good to be back just with my teammates”, Gronkowski said during a 20-second encounter with reporters after practice.
“It’s always good to be out there with your teammates and the staff out there and put the cleats on and run around”, Edelman said. Edelman has a team-high 61 catches for 692 yards and seven touchdowns, while Gronkowski’s 57 catches have gone for a team-high 931 yards.
Looks like Edelman is, at the very least, on schedule.
After two consecutive losses, the Patriots are hoping for a win against the Texans.
The pair shared a jovial high-five while they stretched together, and Bill Belichick had a good laugh at the duo in the background, probably playing to the audience a day after a spirited embrace from Belichick and Gronkowski.
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Rob Gronkowski continues to make his return to practice, but his status remains generally “week-to-week”. But if this week’s practice is any indication, Tom Brady could have both of his favorite targets back before the season ends.
