FOXBORO -- Aaron Hernandez returned to game action on Thursday night, making two catches for 36 yards in New England's 49-19 win over the New York Jets.
His return was crucial, mainly because of Rob Gronkowski's absence, who broke his forearm on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick approved of the job Hernandez did in that return, but he also acknowledged the work that his young tight end must put in to get back to the level of play everyone is used to seeing from him.
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"I think it's tough when a player has been out for a few weeks, to come right back in at the same level that he would be if he were playing all those consecutive weeks, and practicing," said Belichick in a conference call on Friday. "So, I think Aaron did some good things, and we hope that in the next game that he plays, that he's able to build on last night and take it to higher ground. I know he'll work hard on the practice field and work hard on his preparation and show the little things that make a difference between a good play and a great play. He'll work hard to make those things happen."