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ARLINGTON, Texas - Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick said Wednesday he has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that causes weakness in various parts of the body, and the four-time Pro Bowl player isn't sure on a timetable for a return.
Frederick said he has received two treatments for Guillain-Barre Syndrome over the past 48 hours and that the treatments will continue for several days.
"I am very optimistic about my condition and the immediate future, as I have been told that the illness was detected at a fairly early stage," Frederick said. "My doctors have told me that it is not possible to determine a timetable for a return to the field right now, but I am hopeful that I will be able to play as soon as possible."
The 27-year-old Frederick has started all 83 games, including three playoff games, since the Cowboys drafted him late in the first round in 2013. That streak is likely in jeopardy with the opener 2 1/2 weeks away, Sept. 9 at Carolina.
According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Guillain-Barre causes the body to attack a network of nerves around the brain and spinal cord. Most people recover from even the most severe cases of the auto-immune disease, but some will continue to have some degree of weakness, according to the institute.
Frederick saw a specialist in California while the Cowboys were still in training camp there because of feelings he said were similar to stingers in his neck and shoulders. When he returned to camp, he told reporters he checked out OK. He was on the sideline for the preseason game against Cincinnati on Saturday.
Coach Jason Garrett said Tuesday tests for Frederick continued with doctors in the Dallas area. Garrett declined to be more specific.
Hall of famer Charles Haley was in the FOX 4 studios and knows Frederick well. He knows from experience the uncertainty that is likely going through his mind right now.
Haley saw his career threatened with back problems in his late 20s. Now, he’s pulling for his friend as he deals with a rare illness that could impact his career.
“I know him. I know him as a man. As a player. If there's a way to come back, he'll find it,” Haley said. “I'm gonna hug his neck and kiss him on the forehead and tell him this too shall pass. And that if you live on faith, then you know that God has the power to cure anything.”
Dr. John Michels won a super bowl as an offensive lineman with the Packers and is now a pain management doctor in North Texas. He says the fact that Frederick is already feeling better is a very good sign.
“I think the fact that they've diagnosed it early, they've begun treatment already and that Travis states that’ he’s already beginning to feel better — those are all good signs,” he said.
It’s unclear what exactly causes the disease. People typically notice numbness or tingling. The symptoms usually worsen for a couple weeks. But if caught early, treatment can start. Some experience paralysis. In severe cases, some experience total paralysis and even death.
Most people end up okay and recover after a period of about six to twelve months. That recovery often involves physical rehab.
It’s unclear whether Frederick will be ready to return to the field this season.
“Our hopes, our thoughts, our prayers are going to be out for Travis. That he is going to be one of those who recovers really quickly,” Michels said. “Whether or not he'll be able to play at any point in the season, even with the best case scenario, that's what too early to tell.”
Dr. Michels noted that Frederick will likely have great access to care both during the treatment and recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Joe Looney has been working at center in Frederick's absence, but the Cowboys have always considered 2014 All-Pro right guard Zack Martin a possibility there. Martin will miss the rest of the preseason after hyper extending his left knee against the Bengals.
Frederick was the second of three first-round picks in a span of four years, a group that anchors what is considered one of the NFL's best offensive lines. Left tackle Tyron Smith, the 2011 choice, has battled back issues in recent years. Frederick, Smith and 2014 pick Martin have all been named to the Pro Bowl each of the past four seasons.
Dallas is banking on a healthy offensive line in front of 2016 NFL rushing leader Ezekiel Elliott, with the Cowboys hopeful that quarterback Dak Prescott and a largely unproven group of receivers can feed off a powerful running game.
Two years ago, Frederick signed a $56 million, six-year extension that at the time made him the highest-paid center in the NFL. He's now fourth on that list.