Rob Gronkowski scheduled for forearm surgery next week

Mike Garafolo | USA TODAY Sports

Rob Gronkowski will undergo a fourth surgery on his arm next week. He's hopeful this one will result in some good news.

The New England Patriots tight end will have another plate inserted into his left forearm, which he broke while blocking on an extra point last November, a person informed of the scheduled procedure told USA TODAY Sports.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the Patriots haven't addressed Gronkowski's health situation in depth, said doctors are hopeful the infection that's prolonged Gronkowski's recovery is gone because the symptoms he's been experiencing have subsided.

The person said the final word on whether the infection has been eliminated by medication won't be clear until the surgery is completed.

Gronkowski hasn't been able to work out fully this offseason because of the injured arm, which he re-broke during the team's playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. There was a fear Gronkowski might not be ready for the start of the regular season, and that remains a possibility. But a good prognosis next week would certainly make his chances of being ready by opening day much more likely.

Fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez is working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery, though he's expected to be ready well before the start of the regular season.