FOXBORO -- It sounds as though Patriots players are expecting their top receiver to be back on the field with they host a Divisional Round playoff game at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 16.

When asked what Julian Edelman's return would mean to the Patriots offense, tight end Rob Gronkowski smiled.

"Edelman's a great player, a great guy," Gronkowski said. "So excited to have him back. He brings so much to this offense. He's just a hard worker, he brings a great attitude with the team. Just his work ethic is second to none."

Gronkowski may be particularly psyched for Edelman's return because it could help things open up for him in the Patriots passing game. In theory, if attention has to be paid to Edelman, that means fewer defensive resources to dedicate to Gronkowski and more opportunities for him to make plays.

In nine games with Edelman, Gronkowski averaged 89.6 yards per game, caught eight touchdowns and had five 100-yard games. In six games without Edelman, Gronkowski averaged 61.7 yards per game, caught three touchdowns and had zero 100-yard games.

Having Edelman on the field could help remedy other areas that have ailed the Patriots offense since his departure during a win over the Giants in Week 10. If healthy, his ability to get open quickly could allow Tom Brady to get the football out of his hands more quickly and help him avoid the hits he's sustained in recent weeks.

New England's third-down offense could also improve with Edelman's return. Before he was injured, the team converted on 50 percent of its third-down attempts. Since then, the team has dropped to a 32 percent conversion rate.

The 5-foot-10, 200-pound receiver will be one of a few potential key additions to the Patriots game-day roster one week from Saturday. The team may also benefit from the return of offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer, linebacker Dont'a Hightower and defensive end Chandler Jones -- all of whom missed New England's Week 17 loss in Miami due to their injuries.

"It's always great to get guys back," Gronkowski said. "Just gotta go out there, practice, work together as an offense and get on the same page."