Rob Gronkowski DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 29: Tight end Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots is carted off of the field against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 29, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Rob Gronkowski will play Sunday against the Texans, according to ESPN.

The Patriots’ tight end missed last week’s game against the Eagles with a bone bruise and right knee strain he suffered in New England’s November 29th game against the Broncos.

Gronkowski was listed as questionable on this week’s injury report. His back-up, Scott Chandler, will also likely play, according to Adam Schefter. Receiver Julian Edelman will not play Sunday, and receiver Danny Amendola remains questionable.

Gronk’s injury against Denver initially looked like it might cause much more than a one-week absence. The tight end was hit in the knee during the fourth quarter of the Patriots’ loss and rolled around the turf for several minutes before being carted off the field. As it turned out, the damage wasn’t so bad, and it looks like Gronk will come back after only a single week on the sidelines.

Gronkowksi ranks 11th in the NFL in receiving yards (first among tight ends) and sixth in touchdowns (second at his position).

The Patriots and Texans kick off on Sunday Night Football at 8:30 ET. Though the 10-2 Patriots have the best record in the AFC, they’ve lost two consecutive games and go on the road against a 6-6 Texans team fighting for a playoff spot. There’s no question Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will be happy to have their big tight end back.

It looks like New England’s offense could be getting healthy just in time for the stretch run and the playoffs, which must be a scary thought for the rest of the league.

About Alex Putterman

Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.