Report: Rob Gronkowski Needs Fourth Surgery on Forearm While Fifth Surgery Still Possible

The never-ending saga of Rob Gronkowski‘s forearm continues.

Contrary to recent reports, the Patriots tight end will need a fourth surgery, according to the Boston Herald. The real question is whether a fifth surgery is needed.

The fourth surgery on Gronkowski’s broken forearm will be to remove the current plate that is in place. If signs of infection are gone, the plate can be replaced and Gronkowski’s rehabilitation can continue.

If tests show the infection is still present, Gronkowski would need a fifth surgery and the beginning of his season “and perhaps beyond would be in jeopardy,” according to the Herald. Doctors are giving the arm extra time to heal in hopes that the infection will be gone by the date of the fourth surgery.