New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo his fourth surgery procedure to his left forearm Monday, before any issues about his ailing back are addressed.
According to the Boston Herald, the date for the procedure has been debated over for some time now, but Gronkowski and the Patriots franchise will have some definitive answers about whether he's finally free from an infection that's been a nuisance to him for months.
Dr. Jesse Jupiter, who according to MGH's website, specializes in the care of traumatic and reconstructive problem of the upper limbs, including fracture healing a failure, has been reported to lead the surgery procedure. Dr. Thomas Gill, the Patriots head physician, will also be expected in the operating room as well.
The team of doctors will extract cultures from the forearm, and if they come back clean of infection, a new plate will replace the one that's been keeping the broken forearm bone in place. However, if there's any indication that there is indeed an infection brewing around the bone, Jupiter won't be able to place a new plate, and it'll be back to the drawing board, and the possibility of missed games could be in the tight end's future.
Results of the cultures are expected to come in one week after the procedure, and if it all goes well, the plate will be switched and Gronkowski will start on his 10-11 week recovery process.
Last season he broke his forearm in November against the Colts and missed time before returning in the playoffs against Houston, where he also broke the forearm again.
Despite missing five games during the 2012 season, Gronkowski still managed to earn over 55 receptions for 790 yards and 11 touchdowns. After his breakout season in 2011, Gronkowski signed a long-term extension to remain in New England.
Related Articles:
NFL Free Agent Rumors: Dwight Freeney Visits With The San Diego Chargers, Leaves Without A Contract Offer
Charles Woodson Rumors: New York Giants Await Pending Results Of A Physical Before Making Their Offer, What Can He Bring To Big Blue?
NFL News And Rumors: Josh Cribbs Signs With The Oakland Raiders