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There was a pretty scary scene down at Eagles camp this morning involving defensive tackle Mike Patterson. Prior to a drill, Patterson collapsed on the field and reportedly started shaking. As team doctors, and former firefighter Danny Watkins, attended to him he was seen conscious and moving on the ground. About 15 minutes later an ambulance arrived and paramedics, again along with Watkins, hooked him up to an IV, loaded him on and took him to a nearby hospital.
Again, it wasn't a contact related injury. He simply collapsed before a drill, which really makes it all the more scary. All the reporters on the scene say that the team looked visibly shaken from the incident. At this point it's impossible to say whether it could have been heat exhaustion or something related to that... but hopefully it's nothing serious for Patterson. All Eagles fans certainly hope for the best.
[Update by JasonB, 08/03/11 10:51 AM EDT ] Sources tell Les Bowen that Patterson is being treated for dehydration. Also, Patterson communicated to the Eagles PR team via text saying "I'm cool." Head trainer Rick Burkhalter said he suffered a seizure on the field and the hospital is currently doing tests to be sure as to what brought it on.
It's certainly good news to hear Patterson is in no danger. After the death of Korey Stringer several years ago, we know how bad things like dehydration and heat exhaustion can be,