Harry Reid releases photo of himself after accident with rubber exercise band

Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will not be in the Senate on the first day of the 114th Congress, and may be out additional days, so that he can heal from injuries he suffered on New Year's Day while exercising.

Reid released a picture of himself wearing an eyepatch and resting comfortably at home, several days after being injured while exercising in Nevada. "Working from home on doctor's orders," Reid tweeted Tuesday morning.

Working from home on doctor's orders. Just wrapped up a good meeting with my leadership team. pic.twitter.com/x1tUee9Mg3

— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) January 6, 2015

Reid was injured after using a rubber exercise band, which snapped and cause him to fall. The accident caused him to break "a number of ribs," as well as some of his facial bones.

Reid's picture indicates some of those injuries occurred on and around his right eye.

Reid's office said last week that Reid would be in Washington on Tuesday to kick off the start of the 114th Congress. But a spokesman for Reid said he would not come to the Senate today, "so that his injuries can continue to heal."

"He has been diagnosed with broken bones in his face and three broken ribs, as well as a concussion," spokesman Adam Jentleson said. "Despite his injuries, he has been working every day, holding meetings with fellow Senators and staff. Senator Reid has spoken with President Obama multiple times since his injury and will continue to keep a busy schedule in the coming days."

Reid will become the minority leader after the midterm elections gave control of the Senate to Republicans. Until he returns, his duties will be handled by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who will become the Senate Minority Whip.

Reid also made a short video explaining his absence from the Senate on Tuesday: