Report: Rob Gronkowski's fourth surgery 'imminent'

Rob Gronkowski will have a fourth surgery on his arm. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo a fourth arm surgery soon, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday. Rapoport reported that the surgery is technically set for Monday, though it could happen even earlier.

For more than a month, it's been considered likely that Gronkowski would have to undergo another procedure.

Last month, reports said that Gronkowski was battling an infection in an area where a second metal plate was installed to help heal his broken forearm. Doctors would remove the plate and install a new one, but they would need to make sure the infection is gone. Rapoport added that Gronkowski could need another surgery if the infection persists.

As of now, the Patriots expect Gronkowski to be ready for training camp, but it depends on whether his infection has cleared up.

The 23-year-old Gronkowski missed five games near the end of last season after breaking his left forearm blocking during the final, meaningless extra point of a 59-24 Patriots win over the Indianapolis Colts. He re-injured the forearm during New England’s 41-28 AFC Divisional Playoff victory over the Houston Texas and missed the rest of the Patriots’ playoff run.