FOXBOROUGH – As the Patriots work their way through their offseason workout program, there’s a notable presence missing on the field.
This marks the second week of OTAs as the Patriots have two more weeks left of spring practices before departing for a brief vacation. At this point, the team is still without defensive coordinator Terrell Williams.
Earlier this offseason, Mike Vrabel revealed that Williams had not been in Foxborough due to a medical issue. The defensive coordinator explained that he was back home and not able to travel due to his doctor’s orders.
On Wednesday, before practice, Vrabel said he didn’t have any updates on Williams.
“No, just that he continues to, like our players, work hard to get back,” Vrabel said. “I’m excited to have him back. Again, the communication that I see every day with him and the players in their meetings, and I know that he’s excited. Hopefully, we’ll get him back here sooner rather than later.”
Williams wouldn’t go into detail on his condition, but noted it was a “health scare” and “traumatic.”
With Williams not at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots have made some adjustments. In his absence, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has taken over defensive coordinator duties during practice.
Inside the building, however, the Patriots still have Williams run defensive meetings virtually through Zoom. After Wednesday’s practice, linebacker Christian Elliss said the defensive coordinator is still able to make an impact on his players.
“Coach T is still with us. We see him every single day on Zoom,” Elliss said. “So, his energy is not unfelt. We still hear his energy, hear his voice. He gives us the corrections we need to get, so he’s still our DC and he still leads this group.”
