New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells is hospitalized with a serious illness as the season enters its fifth week.
Fells contracted MRSA, a bacteria that is resistant to most antibiotics.
He has been in the hospital for a week and was placed in the intensive care unit on Friday, according to a report on NFL.com.
Fells injured his ankle about two weeks ago. Soon after, the staph infection was discovered.
Reports say Fells has had five surgeries on his foot since then. Doctors are trying to avoid amputating it.
Fells has been declared out for the season. If the infection reaches his bone, it could travel into his blood, which is life-threatening.
The Giants say they are taking precautionary measures, hiring specialists and keeping their practice facility extra clean.