Rob Gronkowski Returns To Patriots Practice After Nine-Day Absence

FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots fans and fantasy football owners alike can rejoice: Rob Gronkowski returned to practice Wednesday.

Gronkowski pulled up after suffering a leg injury Aug. 15. He missed five practices before returning Wednesday, when he stayed on the field during positional drills. The Patriots wore shells and shorts.

— Running back Dion Lewis (PUP list), guard Jonathan Cooper (foot), guard Shaq Mason (hand), offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (PUP) and defensive tackle Alan Branch (club-issued suspension) were absent Wednesday.

— Edge rushers Shea McClellin (undisclosed), Jabaal Sheard (knee) and Rob Ninkovich (triceps), guard Tre’ Jackson (PUP), and wide receivers Malcolm Mitchell (elbow) and Danny Amendola (PUP) were present for warmups but left to work on conditioning during drills.

— Jon Bon Jovi was a special guest for Wednesday’s practice. He spoke with owner Robert Kraft at the beginning of the session.

Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images