5:30 p.m. ET: The New England Patriots have arrived at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Former Patriots linebackers and current Houston Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel greeted Tom Brady as soon as the New England quarterback stepped on the NRG Stadium turf. They chatted for around five minutes with Vrabel's son and Patriots safety Nate Ebner.

It was reported by multiple outlets Saturday night and Sunday morning that tight end Rob Gronkowski will play against the Texans despite being listed as questionable with a knee injury. Gronkowski suffered the knee injury in the Patriots' Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos and missed four practices. He returned to practice Thursday and Friday, and he was limited in both sessions.

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt also will play despite breaking his hand in practice Wednesday.

Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower and guard Josh Kline already have been ruled out.

Stay here for updates and analysis throughout the game, which kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Thumbnail photo via Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports Images