FOXBORO -- The Patriots may be without Rob Gronkowski for some time, but they had a handful of key players return to practice on Thursday.
Tom Brady (knee) and Julian Edelman (foot) were both back on the practice field after missing Wednesday's session. Martellus Bennett (ankle/shoulder) and Nate Ebner (concussion) -- both of whom did not participate on Wednesday -- took part in drills early in practice.
Joining Gronkowski on the list of absent players were defensive linemen Trey Flowers and Woodrow Hamilton as well as safety Jordan Richards and practice-squad tight end Kennard Backman.
Bennett and Ebner were present at Wednesday's practice but did not participate. On Thursday, reporters watched as Bennett went through tight end drills with Matt Lengel and fullback James Develin.