Cowboys center Travis Frederick battling Guillain-Barré syndrome
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7:53 PM CT
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer
FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick announced on Twitter that he is suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disease.
Frederick was diagnosed with the disease after exhaustive tests conducted over the past few days. He has received treatments in the past 48 hours.
"I am feeling much better from an overall strength perspective," Frederick said in a statement. "I will continue these treatments over the next few days. I am very optimist about my condition and the immediate future, as I have been told that the illness was detected at a fairly early stage."
Frederick said doctors have told him there is no timetable for his return, however, it is possible he could miss multiple weeks of the season, according to multiple sources.
"I am hopeful that I will be able to play as soon as possible," Frederick said.
Frederick has not missed a game in the first five years of his career and has been named to the Pro Bowl the past four seasons.
Last week in California, Frederick was examined by neck specialist Dr. Robert Watkins after having symptoms similar to that of a stinger. With the weakness not subsiding when the Cowboys returned to Dallas, Frederick met with more specialists in Dallas, and the Guillain-Barré syndrome was determined through bloodwork.
With Frederick out, Joe Looney will start at center.
The Cowboys also enter the Sept. 9 opener at the Carolina Panthers with a question about the availability of Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin, who injured his knee in last week's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but he and the team are hopeful he can play in Week 1.
"I am deeply grateful for all of the people who have expressed concern for me throughout the past four weeks, and my teammates and the Cowboys organization have provided me and my family with tremendous support," Frederick said.