The Boston Herald reported Sunday that a "stubborn" infection in Rob Gronkowski's broken left forearm might keep the tight end out of action for the beginning of the regular season.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport cautioned, however, that an additional surgery is not set in stone, and Gronkowski's camp still is considering all options.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed as much to WSVN-TV in Miami on Sunday night. Rosenhaus emphasized that any speculation about Gronkowski missing regular-season action is "way off," and no determinations have been made on a fourth procedure.
"I'm not sure what's going to happen," Rosenhaus said. "There's no surgery scheduled, and we're not sure he's going to need one."
Gronkowski is near the end of a six-week cycle of antibiotic treatments to clear up the infection, so it won't be long before a decision is required on another surgery to remove the plate in his forearm.
While the setback means Gronkowski will miss offseason practices for a second consecutive year, it seems premature to begin hand-wringing over his regular-season status.
UPDATE: Gronkowski reportedly "very likely" will need another surgery, according to ESPNBoston.com.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.