After undergoing back surgery to a troublesome disc, New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski could be ready for action at the start of the season.

NESN is reporting that several medical experts told Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, that the typical recovery period after herniated disk surgery is 12 weeks. However, several players told Volin that they didn't feel right until up to a year later following the surgery.

According to the report the 12-week period includes six weeks of allowing the scar to heal and another six weeks to get back into football shape. Gronkowski suffered from a similar injury back in 2009 after missing an entire season while attending the University of Arizona, despite having had surgery in September of 2009.

However, if the recovering process keeps him out until late-September like expected, the Patriots can opt to place Gronkowski on the physically unable to perform list, which means there's a possibility he'll miss the first six games of the season.

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.

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