News

ESPNBoston.com reports that it's "very likely" Rob Gronkowski will need a fourth surgery on his injured left forearm after news that an infection continues to plague the talented tight end. The surgery would remove the plate in his arm to ensure that the infection has been eliminated, two sources told ESPNBoston's Mike Reiss.

"If another surgery is required, the estimate for a recovery would be about 10 weeks. Depending on when the surgery can be performed, which would be determined by whether the infection is completely eliminated, Gronkowski's availability for the start of the 2013 season could be affected," the report adds.

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com writes that free agent WR Julian Edelman has fully recovered from a December foot injury that landed him on injured reserve last season. While Reiss believes it's hard to imagine the Patriots don't want him back, Edelman is considering his options and visited the Giants last week.

"Unlike the 2009 season finale, when Edelman was tapped to replace the injured Welker, he wasn't the top choice this time around, and he might have to come to grips with that if he does ultimately return," adds Reiss.

Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald writes that Cal WR Keenan Allen would be an ideal addition to the Patriots as a potential first round draft pick later this month. Why would the Patriots want him?

"Allen is a smooth outside receiver with good speed and athletic catching ability. He's got the potential to be a true No. 1 wideout, and he is versatile enough to play in the slot, too," notes Howe. "The Patriots surely need an outside threat, and Allen was considered the top wideout in this draft class before struggling through his junior season."

Mary Paoletti of CSNNE.com gives an update on Devin McCourty's rehab after the defensive back underwent shoulder surgery earlier this offseason.

"It's going pretty good," McCourty said during a community event in Cranston, RI on Monday morning. "Just rehabbing day-by-day and taking it one step at a time. It's a process I'm learning and I'm just going through it and listening to the trainers."

Christopher Price of WEEI.com writes that Patriots TE Jake Ballard could be in line for more work in 2013 if Rob Gronkowski is forced to miss time with his arm injury.

"Like the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Gronkowski, Ballard is more of a physical type who can also offer you some ability as a pass catcher and blocker - a combo that Aaron Hernandez, Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui do not necessarily possess," writes Price.

Ballard was on injured reserve all of last season while he recovered from a knee injury that was suffered in Super Bowl XLVI. He was claimed off waivers from the Giants in June.