Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Since breaking out as one of the most dynamic pass-catching tight ends in the NFL, Rob Gronkowski has seen his fair share of injuries. The latest, a broken forearm, has been a huge thorn in the side of the New England Patriots’ pass-catcher.
Having already dealt with three surgeries to remedy the issue, reports surfaced last month that Gronkowski would have to have a fourth in order to fight a nagging infection near the plate that had been installed. Doctors, however, decided to wait it out and see if antibiotics could eradicate the infection.
According to a column from ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Gronkowski hasn’t had any setbacks in his recovery from a third forearm surgery, but is still waiting to see if he’ll need to go under the knife yet again.
“Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is still a couple weeks away from having a definitive answer as to whether he will need a fourth surgery on his left forearm according to sources. The last month has been more of a ‘wait-and-see’ period, with Gronkowski essentially buying more time for doctors to determine if the infection has cleared. Gronkowski has been working in the Patriots’ offseason program, and for what it’s worth, one opinion from someone who has seen him is that he ‘looks great.’ A month ago, surgery was seen as ‘very likely’ but there has always remained a chance that it could be avoided. At this point, there have been no unexpected setbacks; however, as Gronkowski has already learned, things can always change quickly.”
It’s a good sign for the Patriots passing attack that Gronkowski has been participating in the offseason conditioning program and looking good while doing it.
If Gronkowski does end up needing a fourth forearm surgery, there’s a good chance that his status for the Patriots’ Week 1 showdown with the Buffalo Bills could be in jeopardy. That’s not a promising notion for quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots, who have an offense filled with new faces.
Doctors will soon examine Gronkowski’s arm to see if another surgery is necessary. Until then, the “wait-and-see” game will continue.
Gil Alcaraz IV is a Content Planner/NFL Featured Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
