San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has a minor heart procedure, players back coach – NFL News
The absence of San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who pays attention to even minor details regarding the team’s performance, during Thursday’s practice session baffled almost all the players.
A day earlier, on Wednesday, the coach had a good time with the players, who did not know that the coach had some heart problem. It was announced on Thursday that Harbaugh was taken to Stanford Hospital to get treatment for an irregular heartbeat.
According to the details present on the team’s website, 49ers said in a statement released about the head coach:
“Coach Harbaugh is not at the facility today under doctor’s orders. He is having a minor procedure done at Stanford Hospital today for an irregular heartbeat. We anticipate that he will be back at the facility tomorrow, but do not have any further information
to share at this time.”
In Harbaugh’s absence, assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Brad Seely supervised the team’s practice session and the rest of the meetings.
Meanwhile, the players have extended their complete support behind the head coach and wished him an early and healthy return.
Defensive co-captain Patrick Willis said of Harbaugh:
“He always tells us he’s tougher than a two-dollar steak. We know he’s going to be alright. We have a bunch of great coaches here who are going to put everything on track.”
Willis did miss Harbaugh in Thursday’s sessions, but asserted that the head coach’s health is much more important issue. He said:
“As long as he comes back strong, comes back healthy, that’s all that’s important to us.”
49ers are current National Football League (NFL) West leaders and they will face Chicago Bears in Week 11 on Monday Night Football.
A win is essential for them because Seattle Seahawks are tied with them as far as number of victories is concerned.
Harbaugh’s news is yet another setback for the 49ers in quick succession. First, their quarterback Alex Smith got a concussion and was forced out of Week 10 game against St. Louis Rams and now Harbaugh’s absence is not a good omen. Smith’s status for Bears
game has not been confirmed yet.
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