Gronkowski Limited In Practice; Hightower Not Present

BOSTON (CBS) -- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was on the practice field on Wednesday, but was once again limited with a hamstring injury that kept him out of New England's Week 1 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.

Gronkowski was one of eight players limited during Wednesday's practice session, as the Patriots prepare for Sunday's home-opener against the Miami Dolphins. Wednesday's practice was held in shorts and light shoulder pads.

Also limited on Wednesday was corner Malcolm Butler (ankle), offensive linemen Marcus Cannon (knee), Nate Solder (hamstring), Jonathan Cooper (foot) and Shaq Mason (hand), defensive end Trey Flowers (shoulder) and linebacker Shea McClellin (shoulder).

But more notable than Gronkowski's presence was the absence of linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who was the lone player missing from Wednesday's session as he deals with a knee injury he suffered in New England's Week 1 win. Hightower, the Patriots' defensive signal-caller, was banged up on New England's second defensive series against the Cardinals, but returned for the rest of the game after missing just a few plays.

The defensive captain is just another player whose status we'll have to monitor as Sunday gets closer.

For Miami, running back Arian Foster (hamstring), linebacker Jelani Jenkins (knee), defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (ankle), center Mike Pouncey (hip) and defensive end Mario Williams (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday, while corner Xavien Howard (knee) and receiver DeVante Parker (hamstring) were limited.

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