Patriots' Rob Gronkowski to play vs. Houston Texans

— -- The New England Patriots announced Sunday that tight end Rob Gronkowski, who had been listed as questionable with a bone bruise and sprain of his right knee, is active for the game against the Houston Texans.

Gronkowski returned to practice Thursday for the first time since injuring the knee on Nov. 29 against the Denver Broncos. 

The 26-year-old Gronkowski has caught 57 passes for a team-leading 931 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Tight end Scott Chandler and WR Danny Amendola, both dealing with knee injuries and listed as questionable, are active against the Texans.