Rob Gronkowski Has Successful Surgery on Injured Forearm

Rob Gronkowski and the New England Patriots received excellent news on Monday, as the star tight end underwent successful surgery on his left forearm—his fourth surgery since last year on this troublesome appendage. 

As Pro Football Talk reported via Twitter, Gronkowski's left arm is now free of all infection, and he's expected to visit with Dr. Robert Watkins in three-to-four weeks about a potential back surgery:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes the Patriots star could be back in time for training camp now, even if he does go through with the back surgery he's expected to have. He reports Gronkowski can rehab from both surgeries at the same time:

Nobody said playing in the NFL was easy.  

Though it's by no means a slam dunk that the Patriots could enter training camp with Gronk ready and healthy, this is encouraging news. These latest reports indicate that Gronkowski could be finished with his forearm odyssey—this time for good.    

One of the best players in the NFL at any position when healthy, Gronkowski will be a tremendous weapon for Tom Brady and the Patriots once again in 2013, should he fully recover in time for the new season.

A big target in the middle of the field, Gronkowski, at 6'6" and 265 pounds, has incredible hands and is adept at catching balls at their highest point. 

Since joining the Patriots in 2010, Gronkowski has used these gifts to put together an amazing start to his professional football career. 

In just 38 starts, he's caught 38 touchdowns, which is the most—by far—of any tight end in the league during the same time. His remarkable stats have led to a pair of Pro Bowls and one appearance on the NFL's First-Team All-Pro squad.

Certainly, having a healthy Gronkowski will be a huge key for New England's offense to have success in 2013. Thankfully, based on the most recent news, it appears he will be ready to go once the regular season begins—if not much sooner.

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