Report: Rob Gronkowski could miss start of season

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski could be a doubt for the start of the season in September, according to a report.

The 23-year-old may require a fourth surgery on his arm, which he broke in the Patriots' win over the Indianapolis Colts in November, due to an infection.

The Boston Herald reports that Gronkowski has been fighting an infection where a metal plate was inserted into his arm, which hasn't fully cleared up despite the use of a six-week course of antibiotics.

Gronkowski scored 11 touchdowns for the Patriots last season in just 11 games.