It’s been a trying off-season for Rob Gronkowski. As you will recall, the Patriots Tight End broke his forearm on November 18th in a game against the Indianapolis Colts. He returned to the Pats lineup on December 30th in the regular-season finale, but broke the same forearm again in the AFC divisional playoffs on January 13th against the Houston Texans.
Since that time Gronkowski has undergone three forearm surgeries in an attempt to repair the damage. He now needs a fourth surgery, and will have it done early next week.
However, another potentially more serious problem has also surfaced for Gronkowski. A recent MRI has reportedly revealed an issue with one of the discs in his back. Gronkowski is currently seeking other opinions but he may also need back surgery. The surgery would likely be done while he is recovering from forearm surgery.
Reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter seem to indicate that this back surgery is relatively minor and that Gronkowski will need only ten weeks to recover from the two surgeries and be ready for the start of Patriots training camp.
Gronkowski did undergo surgery for a disc issue in 2009, however the report also suggests that the back issues are unrelated.
However, given the fact that Gronkowski has spent more time on a surgical table than in a weight room this offseason, and the fact that he just can’t get healthy, there must be some concern about Gronkowski’s health in Patriots team circles. Add to that the loss of Wes Welker and an entirely rebuilt receiving core around Tom Brady, and the Pats face more questions surrounding their passing game and offence than they have in well over a decade.
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