Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski had back surgery yesterday and all things went well. Now there are some that are projecting him to be ready for the start of the NFL season. That would be huge for Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Watkins’ office released the following statement: “New England Patriots’ tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy surgery performed by Dr. Robert Watkins at Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles. The surgery went well. The timing of his return to football will depend on his progression through the rehabilitation program.” – NFL.com

With Rob Gronkowski out last season, Tom Brady and the Patriots offense sputtered. Brady Andy Dalton Without Rob Gronkowski?” href=”https://nflspinzone.com/2013/06/18/is-patriots-qb-tom-brady-only-as-good-as-andy-dalton-without-rob-gronkowski/”>looked more like Bengals QB Andy Dalton, then the Hall of Fame quarterback that we know.

If Gronkowski is able to return before the start of the season, we still are not sure how he will recover. I expect him to be the stud he has always been, but we really won’t know till we see him on the field.

Aaron Hernandez will be coming back from injury and we still have no clue on what is happening with this murder stuff. Danny Amendola will try to fill the shoes of Wes Welker and the rest of the receivers on the offense will need to step their games up.