Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson, making his way back from a career-threatening brain condition, is expected to make his season debut Monday after being activated from the non- football injury list by the team.
Patterson underwent a procedure in January to repair an arteriovenous malformation in his brain that caused him to suffer a seizure in training camp during August of 2011. He was cleared to resume practicing last week and will be in uniform when the Eagles visit New Orleans on Monday.
"I'll be ready and expect that they'll call my number," Patterson said on Saturday.
Patterson, the longest-tenured member of the Eagles, did compete in 15 games last season despite experiencing convulsions and losing consciousness during a camp practice that summer. He finished the year with 66 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks.
The 29-year-old was initially expected to be healed from his surgery in time for the start of this year's camp, but the surgeon who performed the procedure decided to push the timetable back after reviewing a CT scan in July.
Patterson's return would be welcomed by the Eagles, since starting defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins is questionable to play Monday due to a knee injury.
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