New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson recently experienced an “unexpected and unusual medical emergency” that required hospitalization, he said in a statement posted to social media on Friday.
The second-year player out of Ohio State said the cause of his illness remains a mystery but there has been positive news following diagnostic screenings.
He said his yet-to-be-diagnosed issues involved “a series of unexplained neurological symptoms that required hospitalization for several days.”
He continued, “During that time, I underwent extensive medical testing and evaluation. While the results of my comprehensive medical testing have come back positive and reassuring, the cause of this remains unknown and unexplainable.”
The 24-year-old added that the medical condition has impacted his physical functions.
“I will continue working closely with specialists and physical therapists to focus on my recovery, as these symptoms have affected my strength, coordination, and some of my physical functions.
“I am committed to doing everything necessary to return to full health. My health and long-term well-being remain my foremost priorities.”
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The running back has played in six games so far this season. He has rushed for 203 yards on 52 carries with one touchdown across these games.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the situation at a press conference on Friday and confirmed that Henderson would not play in Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers but said the team would “care for him, listen to him and do whatever we can to get [him] healthy and get back and help this football team and do what he loves.”
Vrabel said, “I know that he is well-loved and respected on our football team. My support shows up in a lot of different ways. I’m just trying to make sure that he’s cared for and that the recovery plan is intact and he’s comfortable with it and that his wife Kenzie is cared for.”
Vrabel added that it wouldn’t be fair to set a timeline for Henderson’s absence. He missed last week’s game with what the Patriots described as “illness,” and has not participated in team practices this week for the same reason.
In six games this season, some of which have been limited by an ankle injury, Henderson has 203 rushing yards and one touchdown. He also has five catches for 45 yards for the 5-3 Patriots.
Henderson led the team in rushing last year while appearing in all 17 of New England’s regular season games as well as all four of their postseason games during the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
