While Patriots OT Matt Light was back in practice after a brief bout with illness, TE Rob Gronkowski remained on the sideline Wednesday with a high left ankle sprain, according to NFL.com's Steve Wyche.

Gronkowski was injured in New England's win over Baltimore in the AFC championship game and is a pivotal part of the Patriots' attack, having led the team with 17 touchdown receptions in 2011.

"I feel better every day, and that's the goal," Gronkowski said. "That's the positive direction. You want to be moving forward every single day. If you're moving backwards, that's not good at all. The rehab is going well, and we're on pace."

Meanwhile, 10 Patriots players were listed as limited participants in practice, including S Patrick Chung (knee), LB Brandon Spikes (knee) and WR Wes Welker (knee).