Shawn Springs has flown to Dallas to be with his father Ron, who is hospitalized, team officials said. It is uncertain when Springs will return.

"[Shawn] has flown down there--it's a very tough time for them because I think it's very, very serious," head coach Joe Gibbs said. "Everybody is praying for Shawn and praying for his dad. I hope everyone else out there can do the same."

Assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams also contacted Shawn Springs to send his thoughts and prayers, Gibbs said.

Ron Springs was diagnosed with diabetes in the early 1990s. According to published reports, his coma is the result of complications from surgery last weekend to remove a cyst from his arm.

Ron Springs, 50, is a former Dallas Cowboys running back.

Last March, he underwent a kidney transplant operation, receiving a kidney donated by former Cowboys teammate Everson Walls.