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Chris Mortensen to join NFL coverage on limited basis for 2016 season

Maury Phillips / WireImage / Getty

A familiar face will return to ESPN NFL broadcasts this fall.

NFL analyst Chris Mortensen will participate in covering the league on a limited basis during the upcoming season, he announced in a joint press release with ESPN on Wednesday. There is no definitive target date for his return.

Mortensen was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in January and has been undergoing treatment over the past few months.

"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," Mortensen said in the release. "The Stage 4 throat 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."

His status will be monitored over the next three months, but he has been directed to recover and rehabilitate from his extensive treatments.

"It has been a long and difficult road for Mort since he was diagnosed, so hearing his positive news is very encouraging," ESPN senior coordinating producer Seth Markman said. "As we have said all along, when Mort is able to return, his chair on our set will be waiting."

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