The Facts: A mere possibility quickly has become a probability. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Gronkowski "probably" will need back surgery. He currently is waiting for a second opinion from Dr. Robert Watkins.

Diehards Line:As previously noted, the back surgery, if it occurs, is expected to happen within three-to-four weeks after the upcoming surgery on his forearm, which currently is set for Monday. As Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio explained, the timetable could hinge on whether the infection is indeed gone from Gronkowski's forearm. If it is, he'll need only one more surgery (the fourth) on his arm, and then the back surgery would be able to proceed. If the surgery is still there (doctors currently believe it isn't), a fifth surgery on the arm may be needed. Which could delay the back surgery. ... We will, of course, continue following this one closely.