Patriots' Rob Gronkowski playing versus Texans

— -- New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who had been listed as questionable with a bone bruise and sprain of his right knee, is playing 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.