Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will need back surgery after all according to a new report.
According to NFL.com's Albert Breer, Gronkowski's back surgery is tentatively set for mid-June and it will be performed by Dr. Robert Watkins. Breer cited a source briefed on Gronkowski's status in the report.
The Patriots are now expecting that Gronkowski will be missing at least part of training camp, although it does appear that their star tight end will be back for the start of the regular season.
Between his forearm and his back, Gronkowski has a full plate of recovery in front of him. While it looks like he'll be back for the regular season, any more setbacks would likely keep him from being ready for the start of the season. If that happens, the Patriots will be adapting to life without Wes Welker and one of the best tight ends in the league.
It was previously suspected that Gronkowski would need back surgery, but the Patriots were hoping that could be avoided. With the surgery now definite, we can hope that Gronkowski's injury woes are over for the offseason.
