HOUSTON -- New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has had a major impact in his return to action.
Playing 19 of 35 snaps in the first half (including penalties), Gronkowski was split out wide at the 1-yard line late in the second quarter and reached up to snare a scoring pass from quarterback Tom Brady as the Patriots took a 17-6 lead into the break.
Gronkowski also had a 45-yard catch at 9:30 of the first quarter to set up the team's first touchdown.
It's no news flash that Gronkowski is a vital part of the Patriots' offense, and a national television audience is receiving a reminder of how vital he truly is for New England -- even in a limited role.