Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Brandon Mebane returned to practice Wednesday and plans to play in Sunday’s playoff game against the New England Patriots.
He will do so with a heavy heart.
Mebane revealed Wednesday that his newborn daughter, Makenna, passed away last Thursday at a children’s hospital in Omaha, Neb. She was born prematurely on Nov. 12 with a heart defect.
Mebane was away from the team for most of December in order to be with his wife, Amena, and two older children.
The Chargers expressed their condolences on Wednesday.
“Words are hard to come by with the passing of Brandon Mebane’s infant daughter, Makenna.
We are heartbroken,” the team said via Twitter. “Please join us in keeping Brandon, and his family, in your thoughts and prayers.”
Words are hard to come by with the passing of Brandon Mebane’s infant daughter, Makenna.
We are heartbroken.
Please join us in keeping Brandon, and his family, in your thoughts and prayers.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) January 9, 2019
Mebane missed four regular-season games and did not play in last week’s wild-card win at Baltimore.
Mebane, 33, is one of the defensive captains for the Chargers. He is in his third year with the team and 12th in the NFL. He had 40 tackles (three for loss), one forced fumble, one sack and three QB hits in 12 games this season.
–Field Level Media
