Patriots' Rob Gronkowski to play versus 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 to play against the Houston Texans.

Gronkowski didn't go through any formal pre-game test on the field with the athletic training staff or medical staff. He was wearing a brace over his right knee during warmups.

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 of whom had been dealing with knee injuries and listed as questionable, are active against the Texans.