Oct 14, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a catch and stiff arms Kansas City Chiefs free safety Ron Parker (38) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated Kansas City 43-40. Photo Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski returned to the practice field Thursday.
Gronkowski, who sat out last week’s win over the Chicago Bears, participated in stretching and conditioning while also hitting the pads. That bodes well for Gronkowski being available for Monday night’s clash against the Buffalo Bills.
However, rookie running back Sony Michel did not practice for a second straight day due to a knee injury. Michel was hurt against the Bears and limited to 22 yards on four carries after rushing for 316 yards in the previous three games.
The 29-year-old Gronkowski did not accompany the team to Chicago after he was ruled out with back and ankle injuries. Reports out of New England said Gronkowski was dealing with back spasms.
Despite sitting out against the Bears, Gronkowski still leads the Patriots with 405 receiving yards on 26 catches. He scored his only touchdown in the season opener.
Gronkowski had 97 receiving yards against Kansas City in Week 6 despite not being at full health. It was his second-highest yardage total of the season.
A native of Western New York, Gronkowski has been a nemesis for the Bills. In 13 games against Buffalo, he has 66 catches and 12 scores.
A second-round draft pick of the Patriots in 2010, Gronkowski had been a touchdown machine since joining the team, reaching double digits in five of his eight seasons, including a career-high 17 in 2011.
Gronkowski has surpassed 1,000 yards four times and has 500 receptions for 7,584 yards in 108 career games.
