Patriots-Eagles practice report: Gronk still out, Brady limited

FOXBORO -- Tom Brady was back on the practice field with his teammates on Thursday, and his two red gloves were back as well.

After winning the AFC title game with a piece of tape helping to protect the stitches in his thumb, Brady opted for the look he showed off during last week's practices -- and last week's press conference -- keeping both hands covered. He was listed as a limited participant in a practice session on the fields behind Gillette Stadium. He expected to have the stitches removed this week, and was optimistic that his hand would be close to back to normal soon thereafter.

Missing from the practice were Rob Gronkowski (concussion), Deatrich Wise (concussion) and Malcom Brown (foot).

There is optimism that Gronkowski will be cleared by the time the Patriots take on the Eagles in Super Bowl LII, but the NFL's concussion protocol is a multi-step process that he must navigate before he's given the thumbs-up from the team's designated physician as well as an independent neurological consultant. Indications are that Brown is also expected to be OK by the time Feb. 4 rolls around.

Devin McCourty, who is dealing with a shoulder issue, was a limited participant in practice and a new addition to the injury report.

Thursday's practice participation/injury report for Super Bowl 52:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS