Patriots Practice Report: Rob Gronkowski Absent; Julian Edelman Present

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots practiced without their star tight end Wednesday.

Rob Gronkowski wasn’t spotted at practice after participating in Tuesday’s walkthrough. It’s possible the Pro Bowl tight end’s absence wasn’t injury-related, however. His friend, Dana Parenteau, passed away Friday, and his funeral services were in Rhode Island on Wednesday.

Linebacker Jonathan Freeny (hand) and practice squad defensive back Brock Vereen also weren’t seen at the start of Wednesday’s practice.

Notable Patriots present at practice were wide receivers Julian Edelman (foot) and Danny Amendola (knee), linebacker Dont’a Hightower (knee) and safeties Devin McCourty (ankle) and Patrick Chung (hip).

Edelman wasn’t spotted at the beginning of Tuesday’s walkthrough.

Thumbnail photo via Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports