Rob Gronkowski made his season debut for the Patriots on Thursday.
The four-time Pro Bowl tight end, who has been battling hamstring issues since the preseason, was active for Thursday Night Football against the visiting Houston Texans.
Gronkowski was limited in practice this week and was a game-time decision after being designated as questionable Wednesday. He saw limited playing time in the 27-0 victory.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (shoulder), linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee) and guard Jonathan Cooper (foot) did not play.