Patriots' Gronkowski to require back surgery

May 29, 2013 - 8:35 PM Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo yet another surgery this offseason, this time for his ailing back.

According to NFL.com, Gronkowski is tentatively scheduled for back surgery in mid-June, which will prevent the stud tight end from beginning training camp with the rest of his teammates.

It is not immediately known how much time he will miss.

The Patriots were aware that this was a possibility for Gronkowski, a two-time Pro Bowler and New England's top touchdown target in all three of his NFL seasons, but were holding out hope it could be avoided.

The 24-year-old recently underwent his fourth surgery since November to clear out an infection in his previously broken left forearm, which he originally suffered back in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Gronkowski had 11 touchdown catches last season among his 55 receptions for 790 yards. He has appeared in 43 games since being drafted by the Patriots in 2010, and has totaled 187 receptions for 2,663 yards and 38 touchdowns.