Playing during the 2018 season remains only a longshot for Travis Frederick, but the Dallas Cowboys center is finally noticing some progress in his recovery since being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome in August.

Frederick, a four-time Pro Bowler, says he has regained some sensation in his hands for the first time since his diagnosis.

"It's starting to come back in my hands a little bit here, which is good,'' Frederick said, according to David Moore of SportsDay. "Now it's more just numbness, no tingling, and it's more in the tips.

"I mean the fact there is some light at the end of the tunnel is definitely a positive.''

The Cowboys placed Frederick on injured reserve early last month to clear a roster spot for the return of defensive tackle David Irving.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune disease which weakens muscles and attacks the peripheral nervous syndrome. Frederick still has no feeling in his feet, but he cites statistics indicating 95 to 100 percent of people diagnosed with the condition are able to make a full recovery.

"It's going to come back,'' Frederick said. "I have no doubt about that.

"I'm doing good. I'm getting better, slowly but steady.''

Sixth-year veteran Joe Looney has started nine games for the Cowboys this season in Frederick's stead.