Cowboys center Frederick has rare neurological disorder
Dallas center Travis Frederick says he has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that causes weakness in various parts of the body. Frederick said in a statement issued by the team that he has received two treatments for GuillainBarre Syndrome over the past 48 hours and that the treatments will continue for several days. The four-time Pro Bowl player says “doctors have told me that it is not possible to determine a timetable for a return to the field right now.”
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.
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.
Giants cautious with Barkley
Rookie running back Saquon Barkley said he feels ready to return to the football field in a full capacity, but at the same time, he understands why the New York Giants are being cautious with him.
“Personally, the way I feel, my body feels, I’ll be honest, I feel good, I feel pretty good,” Barkley said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’ve been moving really well, but that’s really what the trainers get paid for.”
The No. 2 overall selection in the 2018 NFL draft returned to Giants practice for individual drills and walk-throughs in a limited capacity Wednesday. He stretched with the team, took a few snaps with the first-team offense, ran routes and caught passes from Eli Manning. But Barkley spent the majority of the practice doing individual drills on the side and talking with his teammates.
It appears highly unlikely Barkley will play in the Giants’ preseason game against the Jets on Friday night at MetLife Stadium, but the running back said he hasn’t been told anything specific yet. Giants coach Pat Shurmur echoed what he has been saying since Barkley suffered a minor hamstring strain Aug. 13 making a catch down the sideline at practice.
“We’ll see,” Shurmur said when discussing when Barkley will return. “We’re going to be smart.”
Titans’ top pick returns, then leaves
Tennessee linebacker Rashaan Evans left practice after individual drills, leaving his status in question again.
Evans has been dealing with an undisclosed injury since July 28. The 22nd pick overall out of Alabama warmed up and took part in individual drills before leaving practice.
Coach Mike Vrabel says Evans wasn’t feeling great so the linebacker will get more time and treatment so the Titans can get him back on the field.
Odds and ends
The Patriots released veteran wide receiver Kenny Britt. … The Chiefs released running back Charcandrick West. By releasing West, the Chiefs will save $1.65 million in salary-cap space. … The Jets released kicker Cairo Santos, a day after claiming Jason Myers off waivers from Seattle. The Jets added Darrelle Revis to the roster so he can officially retire as a Jet.