Rob Gronkowski

FOXBORO — Despite the fact that he’s been limited in practice in recent weeks because of a hip injury, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski said Wednesday he “feels pretty good” about where he is physically heading into this week’s matchup with the Jets.

“I’m just taking it day-by-day,” said Gronkowski, who was reportedly dealing with significant pain in his hip earlier this season. “[You] always have nicks and bruises after games — just have to treat them and get your body right and be ready for next week.”

Health has been an issue for the Patriots at the tight end position this year. While Gronkowski has been dogged by injuries, fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez recently returned from an ankle issue he sustained in a Week Two loss to the Cardinals. Gronkowski is happy to see his running mate back on the field.

“He’s a great player — he’s very versatile and he brings a lot,” Gronkowski said. “It’s great to have him back. As you can see, he makes plays all the time.

“He’s a great player,” Gronkowski added. “I love being out there on the field with him. It definitely helps out.”

Gronkowski said teams didn’t change their defensive styles when Hernandez was on the shelf.

“Not really. Just whatever guys we have, that’s what we have to roll with. That’s how it is in the NFL,” Gronkowski said. “And he’s back now, and we’ll be rolling with him. Whatever the coaches call, the coaches call, and I just have to go out there and perform my job along with everyone else.”

Gronkowski, who has 29 catches for 356 yards and three touchdowns this season, said you have to be ready for just about anything when you face the New York defense.

“They drop a lot. They blitz, [they] pressure. They basically do everything you’ve seen before in the book, and you have to be ready for that,” Gronkowski said. “You have to be aware of all situations, because you never know what they’re going to bring. It’s not just that — they have great players. Their d-linemen, safeties, corners. Everything. So you have to be ready.

“We’re just looking forward to every week, like we do every time. Win or loss, we’re going to go out and practice as hard as we can, study up as hard as we can and prepare as hard as we can for the following week. That’s what we’re doing for the Jets — it’s just like any other week.”