Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera missed Tuesday’s practice as he began treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
Jhabvala noted Rivera could arrive later depending on how he feels after treatment. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will lead practice for any portion of practices RIvera misses.
Rivera announced last month he was diagnosed with the skin cancer located in a lymph node. He classified the cancer as “very treatable and curable” and added it would be “business as usual” as he planned to coach Washington. However, he added the team had a Plan B in place in the event of his absence.
It was later revealed Del Rio would lead the team at any point Rivera is out. Del Rio has experience filling in as an interim coach. In 2013, he did so for four weeks with the Denver Broncos as then-head coach John Fox underwent heart surgery.
Washington will host the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday’s season opener.
