FOXBORO — As reported Sunday, Rob Gronkowski continues to be in a holding pattern, as doctors hope the tight end’s recently completed six-week course of antibiotic treatment finally stomps out a lingering infection in his left forearm.

According to a source familiar with the case, Gronkowski is going to need a fourth operation to change the plate that’s securing the broken bone in the forearm.

While there has been some suggestion recently that this step might be avoided, the source indicated the fourth operation still has to happen. The plate has to be switched, no matter what, and the surrounding tissue tested. The real question is if Gronkowski, who has been taking part in the team’s offseason program, will need a fifth operation.

If tests show the infection has been completely flushed out, the plate will be replaced, and the recovery process begins. If there are still signs of infection, that won’t happen.

That’s a scenario no one wants to contemplate. Ultimately, Gronkowski would need more surgery and his participation for the start of the season and perhaps beyond would be in jeopardy.

But right now, doctors are giving it a little more time in hopes that when they do decide to go in to replace the plate, which should be relatively soon given the 11-week recovery period, the infection will finally be gone.

Edelman in boot

Julian Edelman is back in a walking boot, according to several league sources. The wide receiver and punt return specialist, who broke his right foot in the Pats’ Dec. 2 win over Miami, had what was described by one source as a “clean-up procedure” on the foot.

There is no timetable for when he’ll be able to participate during the offseason. He’ll likely miss organized team activities and go from there.

There’s no rush for Edelman, who is expected to be fine. Minicamp is still a month away (June 11-13).

Edelman, who was a free agent, returned to the Patriots after signing a one-year deal in April.

His absence will perhaps provide more of an opportunity for undrafted rookie T.J. Moe of Missouri, who has a similar skill set.

Solder holds line

Left tackle Nate Solder was on hand for reporters at Gillette Stadium and talked about some of the areas he’d like to improve on for the coming season.

“Last year, I gave up a few more pressures than I’d like,” he said. ‘‘It’s always something different. It’s situational, but that one key thing is important to me.”

Of course, Solder was asked about some incendiary remarks made by Steelers safety Ryan Clark, who claimed on ESPN Monday that Tom Brady sees “ghosts” when he’s pressured.

To no one’s surprise, Brady’s chief bodyguard didn’t touch that one.

“I never have the opportunity to watch Tom because I’m always looking at the guy in front of me,” said Solder. “I don’t know anything about that.”

What Solder did talk about was being in the huddle with Brady with the game on the line.

“Tom’s great. He’s the commander of the offense, and that’s the way he always is in every situation,” Solder said. “I think the way he is, you wouldn’t know whether there were stakes on the game or not.” . . .

The Pats claimed rookie running back Akeem Shavers off waivers from Tampa Bay.

Shavers, out of Purdue, was signed by the Buccaneers as a rookie free agent last week and released Monday.