Eagles' Patterson returns to practice after seizure

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP)  Mike Patterson, who collapsed and suffered a seizure at practice just 10 days ago, returned to the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.

Patterson did not practice, but was in uniform doing strength and conditioning drills with trainer Rick Burkholder and several other teammates for the first time since his scary episode on an adjacent field. Patterson didn't answer questions, but he did smile broadly and tell reporters, "I feel great," while leaving the practice field.

Patterson, a 300-pound defensive tackle, was diagnosed with a brain AVM after collapsing during one of the team's training camp practices at Lehigh University on Aug. 3. He was taken from the field in an ambulance and hospitalized for three days.

A brain AVM, or arteriovenous malformation, is a prenatal condition in which blood travels abnormally between the arteries and veins.

Patterson has played more games as an Eagle than anybody currently on the team.

Coach Andy Reid said Patterson needs about a week of conditioning work to get back into shape. After that, there's a chance he could be cleared by doctors to return to football.

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"(This week) gives the doctors a chance to continue to evaluate him and for him to get back to where he feels he can get back out there and play," Reid said.

Asked if that means Patterson has a chance to return to action in a week, Reid said, "We're just holding off on the other part."

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