Dr. Robert Watkins, the surgeon who operated on Rob Gronkowski on Tuesday, has released a brief 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."

Watkins performed the same procedure on Giants' defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul earlier this month.