New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has completed his latest trip to the operating room, as he underwent back surgery yesterday.

According to the Boston Herald, the procedure went well, but one source noted the surgery was a "standard disc repair."

Now the Pro Bowl tight end begins the recovery process which might extend into the start of the regular season. It's widely expected that he won't be ready for the beginning of training camp which is at the end of July.

This is the second time back surgery had to be performed on Gronkowski's back since he was in college at Arizona, but even having have already been down this road of rehab, the odds still aren't in his favor.

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.

However, if coach Bill Belichick feels Gronkowski is close enough to being game-ready before Week 7, he won't place the tight end on the PUP list.

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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