Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams left the team’s practice Monday on a cart after getting treated for dehydration, the team said.

A stretcher was initially brought onto the field, but Williams managed to stand up on his own and was taken away on a cart. As reported by the Boston Herald, the team mentioned that Williams was “fine.”

The 51-year-old Williams is in his first season with New England as part of new head coach Mike Vrabel’s staff. 

Williams had previously missed OTAs and the minicamp due to an unspecified medical issue from May. However, he rejoined the team in time for the start of training camp, which commenced last month.

The team views that absence as unrelated to Monday’s incident, the Boston Herald reported.

Before training camp started, Vrabel commented on Williams’ return, saying, “Big T is here and ready to go.” He noted that Williams had been practicing with the team for the past couple of days, and that the players were thrilled to have him back.

Williams met with the team remotely while he was away earlier in the offseason, and inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr handled his on-site duties and assumed the role of interim defensive coordinator during that stretch.

Kuhr once again stepped in on Monday, calling plays during the final team period. 

After his initial health issues in May, Williams told ESPN’s Mike Reiss, “Football is a job that obviously there is some stress involved. Just eating right. Working out. If you’re supposed to take any medication, take it. Like I told the players, we all think we’re invincible.

“I think a lot of times, when there are things you can prevent, and you don’t prevent them, that’s just not being smart. That’s what I’ve done the last couple of years, even longer. I’ve ignored doctors. I’ve ignored everyone and just kind of lived my life. While it was fun, I realize you have to take care of yourself. That’s what I’m doing.”

Before joining the Patriots in January, Williams was with the Lions for the 2024 season as a defensive line coach and run game coordinator. 

The Los Angeles native has also had stints as a defensive line coach with the Raiders (2012-14) and Dolphins (2015-17). He was part of Vrabel’s Titans staff from 2018-22.

Williams was promoted to assistant head coach with Tennessee in 2023, Vrabel’s last season as head coach with the team.

A former nose guard at East Carolina, Williams began his coaching career as an assistant in the college ranks, with stints at Fort Scott, North Carolina A&T, Youngstown State, Akron, Purdue and Texas A&M.