NFL coach suffers fresh health scare just one month after he collapsed in practice

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will not be with the team for their Week 2 game after suffering an 'unforeseen' health issue. 

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the news at his Wednesday press conference, ahead of their clash against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon.

Williams had previously experienced a health scare earlier in the year however Vrabel has confirmed that the new issue is unrelated to that incident. 

He explained: 'It was something that just came up. We'll have to run some more tests. And we think it's best, and I think its best that he focus on that and we prepare for Miami.'

Vrabel confirmed that, in Williams' absence, Patriots inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr will take on a larger role - and will potentially call plays on Sunday. 

Last month, defensive coordinator Williams suffered a major health scare after he was carted out of practice after collapsing, according to multiple reports.

Having taken time away from the Patriots earlier in the year, he returned to their training camp in August. However, just one week after doing so, he collapsed. 

Boston reporter Pat Lane, who was on the scene in Foxborough, claims a stretcher was brought out when he fell ill at the training facility behind Gillette Stadium.

However, Williams was able to get back to his feet and eventually leave on a cart. 

Williams, who was hired by the Patriots back in January, has not revealed the nature of his health issue since being forced to take a break from his duties as defensive coordinator earlier this year.

'Big T is here, ready to go. He's been out on the field with us the last couple of days,' head coach Mike Vrabel said when he returned last month.

'Players were excited to see him. I was excited to see him, and we'll move forward.'

Williams has been a coaching football defenses for the past 27 years after starting off at college level in 1998 and getting his NFL breakthrough 14 years later with the formerly-named Oakland Raiders.

The former East Carolina player also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions before heading to New England at the start of 2025.