Rob Gronkowski will need back surgery, will miss training camp time

The infallible Rob Gronkowski has been nothing close to that recently.

After a report a couple weeks ago that it was believed he could need the surgery, Albert Breer of NFL Network just confirmed it.

Per source, Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will need back surgery. Tentatively set for mid-June. He'll likely miss at least part of camp.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 29, 2013

This will be operation number five for Gronkowski since breaking his forearm on a fluke extra point play back in November. It can't be the best sign for the Patriots best pass catcher remaining on the roster.

It's not all bad news though.

The good news is that he is expected to be back for the regular season, though will miss time in training camp. Gronk also apparently has no infection in his arm. It also appears that this back issue was not unexpected. So there's that.

Gronkowski's arm is healing up, no sign of the infection resurfacing. The surgery on the back was expected, so Pats have planned for it.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 29, 2013