FOXBORO – Gronk is back, but the Patriots still have a starting spot to fill this weekend.

Rob Gronkowski returned to practice on Friday after missing the previous day’s session with a back/ankle injury. The tight end’s presence in the final practice of the week is a good sign for his availability when the Patriots take on the Green Bay Packers.

The Patriots, however, will likely be without starting right guard Shaq Mason. Mason left Monday night’s [...]

FOXBORO – Gronk is back, but the Patriots still have a starting spot to fill this weekend.

Rob Gronkowski returned to practice on Friday after missing the previous day’s session with a back/ankle injury. The tight end’s presence in the final practice of the week is a good sign for his availability when the Patriots take on the Green Bay Packers.

The Patriots, however, will likely be without starting right guard Shaq Mason. Mason left Monday night’s game due to a calf injury and has missed every practice this week. That’s usually a sign that a player won’t be available on Sunday. Without Mason, the Patriots will likely rely on Ted Karras, who filled in on Monday night. In his third NFL season, Karras has started three games. He started two last season at center.

The Patriots were also without backup guard Brian Schwenke (foot) and special team/linebacker Nicholas Grigsby (illness).