There's good news for the defending National Football League (NFL) champions New England Patriots as star tight end Rob Gronkowski was back in practice Thursday, his first since suffering a bone bruise and sprain in his right knee in their Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos. 

Gronkowski was limited in Thursday's practice and was unable to be with the team in their practice Wednesday, also missing their Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday due to the injured knee. 

According to ESPN, Gronkowski wore a protective brace on the knee during Thursday's practice and despite participating in football-related activities still remain uncertain. 

In 11 games played this season, the 26-year-old has 57 receptions for 931 yards and nine touchdowns. 

Gronkowski is one of franchise quarterback Tom Brady's favorite passing targets and his loss together with other key offensive players to injuries is a huge blow for the defending champs, especially in their last two games which were losses. 

The Pats had a hot start to the season and were 10–0, until key offensive pieces went down one-by-one which resulted to back-to-back defeats to the Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles, the first two-game losing skid for the team since 2012. 

New England will be on the road Sunday to take on the Houston Texans, and despite Gronkowski being uncertain for the game, Thursday's practice was a sign of hope for a possible return for the three-time Pro Bowler. 

The Patriots and Brady will be needing all the help they need in their remaining games this season especially after their collapse against the Eagles last Sunday. 

Following the Texans, the Patriots will still have matchups against the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, and the Miami Dolphins before closing the season. 

The Pats currently hold a 10–2 record and are likely to clinch the American Football Conference (AFC) East as they head to the playoffs.