New England Patriots roster, injury news 2016: Rob Gronkowski practiced Wednesday, limited due to knee woe

Rob GronkowskiWikimedia Commons/Wellslogan

A familiar face was back in practice last Wednesday for the New England Patriots as tight end Rob Gronkowski participated after missing Tuesday's practice for unknown reasons. 

However, Gronkowski was limited last Wednesday because of a problem with his knee, NFL.com and ESPN reported.

During the regular season, Gronkowski suffered a right knee injury in their first loss of the season to the Denver Broncos. 

The injury was huge since New England was already facing a number of injuries until now to its key players, especially on offense. 

But despite the health setback, Gronkowski only missed one game in the regular season and in 15 games played had 72 receptions for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

The 26-year-old is also not expected to miss their Divisional Playoff game versus the Kansas City Chiefs this Saturday because of the injury, NFL.com suggested in its report. 

Gronkowski being available versus Kansas City is a major factor for the Patriots' offense in their playoff debut this season. 

Since it means two of franchise quarterback Tom Brady's favorite targets, Gronkowski and wide receiver Julian Edelman, are back for him versus the Chiefs. 

Edelman, who had a foot injury in the regular season and missed seven games, is already practicing and plans to go all out in his return to the field. 

Meanwhile, along with Gronkowski on the injury report for the Patriots' practice Wednesday was Brady, who injured his ankle in their regular season closer. 

But Brady already said before that everything will be okay and the injury is not a major concern. 

Defensive end Chandler Jones, who was hospitalized Sunday for undisclosed reasons, has not missed practice this week but, like Gronkowski, was limited Wednesday. 

According to NFL.com, the Patriots listed Jones as limited due to "toe and abdominal injuries."

The Patriots will begin their chase for a second consecutive Super Bowl this Saturday, hosting the Chiefs at the Gillette Stadium.