Patriots Practice Report: Rob Gronkowski Returns; Jonathan Freeny Absent

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots had near-perfect practice attendance on Christmas Eve.

Linebacker Jonathan Freeny (hand) was the Patriots’ lone absence Thursday. Tight end Rob Gronkowski returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s session for non-injury related reasons. Practice squad safety Brock Vereen also returned after missing Wednesday’s practice.

Linebacker Dont’a Hightower (knee), safety Devin McCourty (ankle) and wide receivers Danny Amendola (knee) and Julian Edelman (foot) participated despite their injuries.

Here’s a video of Edelman and quarterback Tom Brady playing catch during warmups:

Thumbnail photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images