Chris Mortensen plans to make limited return to ESPN this season

Veteran reporter Chris Mortensen, who has been battling Stage IV throat cancer, said he anticipates making a return to ESPN’s NFL coverage on a limited basis this season.

Mortensen said in a statement through ESPN that his oncologists told him after chemotherapy and radiation, the cancer has been “virtually reduced to zero detection of the disease.” Mortensen was diagnosed in January.

Mortensen said he’ll be returning to the network’s NFL coverage on a limited basis with no definitive date for his return. He said in his statement he is still recovering from “significant weight loss, strength, endurance and related health issues.” After his battle this year, any return to television is wonderful news.

Mortensen’s statement: “I received very encouraging news last week from my oncologist team of doctors at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center that now enables me to completely focus on recovery rather than treatment. The Stage IV throat (oropharyngel) cancer that was diagnosed in early January and treated with intensive chemotherapy and radiation has been virtually reduced to zero detection of the disease through the latest scans and exams.

“I do have scheduled exams and scans during the next three months to monitor my status but my oncologists have directed me to recover and rehab from the treatments that have resulted in lengthy hospitalization, significant weight loss, strength, endurance and related health issues. I am following instructions to overcome these challenges.

“My return-to-work status has variables with no definitive target date but I anticipate being able to participate in NFL coverage on a limited basis as the 2016 season gets underway.

“My wife Micki and I want to express our deepest gratitude and humility from the outpouring of love we have received from family, friends, colleagues, the NFL community and beyond, as well as ESPN’s unwavering support. Our hope remains rooted in our deep faith in God and we continue to be grateful to our caring team at M.D. Anderson and my local personal physicians.

“We also want to encourage everyone to support various cancer causes such as the V Foundation – we can testify that these specific organizations are justifiably necessary and righteous to families who encounter this insidious disease.”

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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