Dallas Cowboys starting center Travis Frederick is not expected to play in Week 1 as he battles a medical condition known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, but the four-time Pro Bowler may return sooner than some expect him to.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Tuesday that it is too early to tell if the Cowboys will place Frederick on injured reserve, but a source estimated the 27-year-old could be sidelined for “weeks” rather than months.
#Cowboys C Travis Frederick, dealing with Guillain-Barré syndrome, has had a workout & is out watching practice. Too early to tell if he’ll be placed on Injured Reserve, though one source cautiously estimated his recovery will be measured in weeks, not months. Decision next week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 28, 2018
Frederick announced last week that he has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which is an autoimmune condition with symptoms including muscle weakness. The issue can be life-threatening in some cases, but fortunately it does not sound like that is a concern for Frederick.
One former NFL offensive lineman dealt with the same issue during his career and has reached out to Frederick about it. The former first-round pick is one of the best centers in football and will be missed by the Cowboys, but it goes without saying that his health should come above all else.
