Danny Amendola and Dont'a Hightower return to practice

New England Patriots have been pretty banged up this season, as they have already lost Julian Edelman for the entire season and Malcolm Mitchell who will not be able to play at least until week 9. But those are only the injuries from the preseason. There have been many injuries for the Patriots in first two games of the season and the situation for them is far from ideal.

Amendola and Hightower were limited in practice

In the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, they lost Danny Amendola and Dont'a Hightower due to injuries. Danny Amendola suffered a concussion against the Chiefs, while Hightower injured his knee. Both of them were limited in practice, but Patriots' organization is very pleased because of their return. Danny Amendola is an important piece of Patriots' offense and one of the most reliable weapons for Tom Brady. He played a key role in the last year's Super Bowl and now with Julian Edelman gone he is more important than ever. Dont'a Hightower is the best player on Patriots' defense and one of the heroes of the last two Super Bowl wins for the Patriots.

He is very important for the Pats because the weakest part of their team is the pass rush.

Rex Burkhead didn't practice; Eric Rowe and Phillip Dorsett were limited

Rex Burkhead injured his rib against the Saints and he didn't practice. He was acquired by the Pats in the offseason and has been an important part of their offense. Eric Rowe injured his knee and was limited in practice. He started instead of Malcolm Butler against the Saints and was praised for his performance. Phillip Dorsett, who was acquired via trade with the Colts, was also limited in practice. Both of them are expected to play on Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Rob Gronkowski didn't practice but was on the practice field

Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end in the world and Brady's most reliable weapon.

Without him, the Patriots aren't the same team. He has been very injury prone over the years, so every time he goes down Patriots' fans get scared. He left the game in New Orleans last week due to a groin injury after frying New Orleans for 116 yards and a touchdown on six catches. Gronk said after the game that he is fine, and there have been reports that his injury is not serious. Gronk is expected to play against the Texans on Sunday. It would be a catastrophe for the Patriots if they lost Gronk, but at least for now Patriots' fans can be relaxed.