On the subject of the forearm of Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski:
One source with knowledge of the initial forearm surgery told WEEI.com Thursday night that there is “serious concern” about the integrity of the bone where the implement was placed and the surrounding nerves. The source indicated that if the bone had healed on its own without an implement, there might have been no infection. However, there now are concerns that an abscess developed, causing infection and likely weakening the bone. This prompted three more surgeries in the offseason on the forearm, separate from the procedure on his back.
Gronkowski’s family and representatives were made aware of the issues in the arm and advised the tight end to hold off on returning to action until it could be determined that the bone in his right arm had fully healed.
All of this led to the decision this week to bring in noted orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews to sign off on whether Gronkowski is indeed ready to play, taking the decision out of the hands of the Patriots, Gronkowski and Dr. Gill.
Skittish Gronk owners may want to float a few trade proposals and see what they can get for the superstar TE. He may be cleared to play this week or he may sit out a while longer as the forearm continues to heal.
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