Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams is not with the team at rookie minicamp due to a “health scare,” according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Williams, previously the Lions’ defensive line coach, was visiting home in Detroit when the medical issue arose. Doctors advised him to stay there instead of returning to New England for the start of rookie minicamp. He declined to give any details about the specifics of his health, though he said he would in the future.
“I want to make it clear, I’m away from the building, but I’m not away from the team,” said Williams (via Reiss). “I’m working remotely right now. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back soon and just be in the building and be around everyone.”
Williams said that the health scare was “traumatic” and a “wake-up call,” but indicated that his medical situation had stabilized.
“Where I am now, my mind is clear,” he said (via Reiss). “I’m moving around. I’m happy. Everything is good. I’m just looking forward to getting back to Foxborough and seeing everybody in person.”
In his absence, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has been leading the Patriots defense under new head coach Mike Vrabel, per Reiss. There is no timeline for Williams return, and while his health is the team’s priority, Vrabel and Kuhr will have to forge ahead in reshaping a New England defense that allowed the 11th-most yards and points last season.