Patriots DC Terrell Williams has still been working with the team from afar throughout the season but has yet to be seen in person at team facilities until today.
It's been a long time since the New England Patriots' defensive coordinator Terrell Williams set foot in the team's practice facilities, but on Wednesday, he was spotted in the locker room.
The exciting news of Williams' appearance comes a few days before the team's first postseason appearance since early 2022, as they gear up for their matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Williams has been in the midst of a battle with prostate cancer all season long and has not been seen in person either at games or at the team's facilities throughout the regular season. On Wednesday, he was seen walking through the locker room during the media access period of the January 7th practice.
The optimistic news was reported by Patriots reporter Mike Reiss of ESPN via Twitter. Since Williams stepped away to focus on his cancer treatment, Patriots inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has handled defensive play-calling throughout the season.
There has been no official word on when Williams will return to his duties with the Patriots, as he has made his health his top priority this season, but the sight of him may have raised suspicions about his involvement going forward.
Back on August 4th, Williams reportedly collapsed during the Patriots' preseason practices. The Patriots reported that it was due to dehydration. A month later, it was announced that the Pats' defensive coordinator would be stepping away due to his announcement of prostate cancer.
Going forward, Patriot players could be seen sporting a "T Strong" shirt during pregame warmups to honor their defensive coordinator while he was absent from in-person practices. Head coach Mike Vrabel was even seen from time to time sporting a ribbon on the vests he wears on gameday.
Despite focusing on his health, Williams has never been far from the team. Mike Vrabel told reporters back in September about the impact his defensive coordinator will still have on the team.
"I think Terrell is in good spirits,” Vrabel told reporters at Gillette Stadium back in the fall. “I appreciate you all [the media] asking … Terrell will be around. I don't quite fully know in what capacity, but he will be around and involved, so we'll continue to just make sure there is a good plan for everything that happens, just like we always have been. Thank you for asking."
Williams served under Vrabel with the Titans in Tennessee. One can hope that, even amid health scares, the Patriots' head coach will indeed keep one of his confidants around through thick and thin.