A good sign for Rob Gronkowski's availability this weekend, as the big tight end was back at practice on Friday after missing Thursday's session.
Gronkowski, who has battled ankle and back issues over the last few weeks, missed the contest with the Bears a couple of weeks ago, and was a question mark last week against the Bills in Buffalo. While there's a lot of time between now and Sunday night, the fact he was back out there is a good sign. We should know more when the injury report is released later Friday afternoon, but the guess is that while he'll be listed as either probable or questionable, he'll play against the Packers.
The news isn't as good for Shaq Mason, who sustained a calf injury in last week's win over the Bills and was present for the start of practice again on Friday. The right guard, who is one of New England's resident iron men -- he's rarely missed so much as a single snap the last year-plus, let alone a game -- would likely be relieved by backup Teddy Karras. Karras stepped in for Mason late against the Bills, and would probably be the one to get the start Sunday against Green Bay if Mason can't go.
Backup offensive lineman Brian Schwenke and linebacker/special teamer Nicholas Grigsby were not present for the start of the workout. Grigsby is one of a few players on the roster suffering from an illness, while Schwenke has dealing with a foot issue. Both will likely sit Sunday against the Packers.
__________
So Mason and Schwenke have been ruled inactive for Sunday's game, while 13 have been ruled questionable. It's a group that includes Gronkowski, Marcus Cannon, Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, Dont'a Hightower and Sony Michel.
__________