The Cowboys are cautiously optimistic about center Travis Frederick‘s outlook, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. It’s too early to say whether he’ll be placed on injured reserve, but one source tells Rapoport that his recovery will be measured in weeks rather than months. A formal decision on Frederick will come next week, so they will not place the lineman on IR before Saturday’s roster deadline. 
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Frederick, one of the league’s best centers, was recently diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome, a rare auto-immune disease. For however long he’s out, the Cowboys will use third-year pro Joe Looney in the middle.
Under the league’s revised rules for the injured reserve, each team is permitted to bring two players back from IR each season. The player does not have to be earmarked for return in advance, but the player must spend at least eight weeks on the inactive list. If the Cowboys feel that Frederick is unlikely to be ready before November, they may place Frederick on IR in order to free up a roster spot.
I’ve experienced two autoimmune related episodes. The first caused paralysis in my thumbs and triceps numbing and atrophy. The second episode left me unable to lift or extend my arms and resulted in atrophy of upper back muscles and triceps. After being assessed by numerous doctors I never received a diagnosis for either episode other than they were autoimmune related issues. Both times my symptoms ultimately subsided without treatment after about six months although the strength of my left arm only returned about 80%. Since I was a pitching prospect at the time I was evaluated by Dr. Jobe who was as baffled as everyone else. Just sharing to point out how unpredictable autoimmune issues can be and that imo even the doctors have no real idea how long Frederick’s recovery will take or whether he will suffer any long term damage like me. That’s probably why we’re not receiving expected time frames. Furthermore, if he’s experiencing any numbing or paralysis he can expect the nerves to regenerate about 1 mm per day from the damaged area to its final destination. Unlike me, he does have a diagnosis for a particular autoimmune disease so hopefully dr’s have a bit more clarity about his situation.
I hate to hear that happened to you and that it sounds like it affected your ability to play baseball. Thanks for the info
Sorry to hear that came your way. Makes me believe the center is headed to IR and will impact Zeke. Cowboys schedule and lack of weapons….may not take Zeke at two pick.
The next trade rumor poll should ask: When you hear the Cowboys and Looney mentioned in the same sentence do you think of their center or their owner?