FOXBOROUGH — Rob Gronkowski hasn’t played in a game this season, so forgive the Patriots tight end for being a little overzealous Tuesday.
Dealing with a hamstring injury he suffered in a joint practice with the Bears in August, Gronkowski came to practice Tuesday wearing full pads. The practice was a non-padded walkthrough session, though, and the rest of the team was in shorts and helmets. After a brief chat with coach Bill Belichick, Gronkowski ditched the gear.
“I haven’t been in full pads in a while, so I felt like I wanted to get used to it,’’ Gronkowski said. “Full pads are different. It weighs more weight than when you have nothing on, so it’s part of the training process.
“But obviously I wasn’t allowed to wear them, so I just had to take them off. Really no big deal. Just the feel, you want to get the feel of your shoulder pads when you haven’t been in them much.’’
Gronkowski didn’t get into specifics about his injury, but said that he’s feeling “decent,’’ and that the decision to play Thursday night against the Texans will be made with coaches and trainers. Right now, he’s taking it day by day while still doing his normal film study.
“I’m feeling better every single day, every single week, and that’s all I can ask for,’’ Gronkowski said. “Obviously you just don’t wake up 100 percent, but I’m improving every day.’’
After missing a large chunk of the 2012 and 2013 seasons with a smorgasbord of serious injuries, Gronkowski missed just one game last year. His return to the lineup would be a huge addition for a Patriots offense that will likely start third-string rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
“It’s super tough watching your guys,’’ said Gronkowski. “They work super hard every single week, and it’s tough not be out there with them. But I’m doing everything I can to be out there as soon as possible.’’
Help from Hightower?Linebacker Dont’a Hightower missed last week’s game with a knee injury and didn’t practice Monday. On Tuesday, he was a limited participant, opening the door for him to play Thursday. His return would be a welcome addition for a defense that has allowed 402 yards per game (25th in the NFL) and 22.5 points per game (15th) in two games.
New England is taking on a revamped Houston offense, including new quarterback Brock Osweiler. The former Bronco hasn’t blown up the stat sheet in his first two games in Houston, throwing for 499 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, but he has the ability to throw the deep ball.
“He has got good command, good leadership, throws the ball well, and is a hard guy to tackle,’’ Belichick said of the 6-foot-8-inch Osweiler. “He has done a good job for them.’’
Osweiler’s life is made easier by a cast of offensive weapons. DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best wide receivers in football, and speedsters Will Fuller and Braxton Miller pair up well with Osweiler’s strong arm.
“As soon as you turn on the film, you see they’re getting the ball down the field to Fuller and Hopkins — 40, 50, 60 yards down the field, they’re throwing it and letting it go,’’ said safety Devin McCourty. “That’s probably the easiest way to lose a game — let a quarterback drop back and throw the ball over your head. So that’s going to be a huge challenge for us.’’
Helping his cause
Osweiler is playing his first season in Houston after signing a four-year, $72 million contract in March. New England, at least indirectly, had something to do with that.
In November 2015, Osweiler had taken over as Broncos quarterback for the injured Peyton Manning. Facing the undefeated Patriots at home, the young signal caller completed 23 of 42 passes for 270 yards and threw a touchdown with just over a minute left to give Denver the lead. The Broncos would eventually win in overtime, 30-24.
On Tuesday, Osweiler said that game gave him a lot of confidence early in his career. It also might have brought him to Houston.
“I know just from things coach [Bill] O’Brien has told me, things that he’s told to the media, as far as him really wanting to bring me to Houston, I know that New England game really played a large part in that,’’ Osweiler said.
Ready to hit
Wide receiver Julian Edelman also arrived at practice wearing shoulder pads . . . Linebacker Jonathan Freeny, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, defensive lineman Trey Flowers, and guard Jonathan Cooper were all listed as limited in practice. Cornerback Eric Rowe, who was walking with the use of crutches Monday, was the only Patriot to not practice Tuesday . . . Center Bryan Stork, cut from the Patriots in August, visited the Jets for a workout Tuesday . . . Former second-round pick Aaron Dobson, cut in September, visited the Lions Tuesday. The wide receiver has also worked out for the 49ers, Eagles, Jets, and Chargers . . . LeGarrette Blount was nominated as a FedEx Ground Player of the Week after gaining 123 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins.
Everett Cook can be reached at evcook4@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @everettcook.
