Desperate Housewives Star in Critical Condition after Accident

At this point, the diagnosis is that Gale Howard, this season's addition to the hit series 'Desperate Housewives', is going to be fine. But his injuries were in fact serious, including brain swelling and a shoulder injury.

Because the filming of this season of Desperate Housewives is still ongoing, there will likely be script changes to account for Howard's absence from the set. It is unclear when he is expected to return or if any of his real-life injuries will be written into the script.

The episode being filmed at the time of the accident involves a story line that has several residents of Wisteria Lane trapped inside a nightclub fire. Apparently, Howard was slated for a prominent role in the episode, which has prompted the revelation that there will, in fact, be script changes made to accommodate for his absence.

Prior to his stint on Housewives, Howard had a lead role in the critically acclaimed cable series, 'Queer as Folk', on Showtime. He has also appeared sporadically in other television roles over the years.

On Housewives this season, Howard's character is the "future" boyfriend of Susan, played by Teri Hatcher. The two are dealing with the trials of a post-divorce relationship, including assimilating into a broken family and trying to be-friend Susan's most recent ex-husband.

While it seems that the motorcycle accident only involved one vehicle, details have yet to emerge. It is also unclear at this time whether Howard was wearing a helmet or any other protective gear while riding, or what may have caused the accident.