Told to wear monitor, Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh HC gives health update after irregular Heartbeat scare
Los Angeles Chargers' head coach revealed that his heart is fine after finding out that he has arrhythmia and claimed the doctors have advised him to lay off the Diet Coke.
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Jim Harbaugh (Image via IMAGO)
The Los Angeles Chargers overcame a late Denver Broncos charge last Sunday to win their third game of the season. However, they had an even bigger scare right after the kickoff as head coach Jim Harbaugh went to the medical tent.
The game went on as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator assumed play-calling duties. Harbaugh was inside the tent for far too long, which even made his brother and Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh freak out.
Later in the day, Harbaugh revealed that he had trouble breathing, and after examination, the doctors said he had arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat). He had been taking precautions to contain it for some time by wearing a heart monitor.
Quarterback Justin Herbert revealed after they beat the Broncos that Harbaugh briefly told them about his condition a day before (Saturday) but never mentioned it back. The 60-year-old said that further discussions would have distracted the team, which he doesn’t want.
On Thursday, he provided a much-awaited positive update.
Just talked to the cardiologist before I came in here. Got some test results back. ‘The heart of an athlete’ is a direct quote from my cardiologist. So, that made me feel good. He said the stress test was really good.
Jim Harbaugh said (H/T: Chargers official transcript)
flex on 'em, coach pic.twitter.com/DysYTUDFCQ
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 16, 2024
What are the steps Jim Harbaugh is taking to keep his heart in check?
Besides wearing the heart monitor, the doctors also instructed the former Michigan and Chargers head coach to eat healthily and make sure to avoid any extremely strenuous work. Harbaugh joked that he knows how to adapt to situations.
I’m coachable. I don’t think there’s anybody anywhere that can say Jim Harbaugh wasn’t coachable.
Jim Harbaugh said
When asked about the changes in his diet, Harbaugh gave more details.
Probably less Diet Coke and more water, some other things like that. Attacking the oatmeal in the morning, doing some stuff, trying to keep up.
Jim Harbaugh added
Harbaugh must make improvements in the offense
The Chargers are slowly getting into their rhythm as the season progresses. Regardless of their 3-2 record, Harbaugh’s side lacks that killer instinct in the final third.
Herbert this season only has 815 passing yards from 80 completions, and the Chargers overall have just over 1400 yards. In comparison, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson alone has thrown over 1500 yards from over 100 completions.
It’s not a criticism of Herbert, but rather a gaping issue of the offense that has turned the ball over nine times. The Chargers don’t have a designated #1 receiver after both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams left in the off-season.
Herbert’s most targeted player is rookie Ladd McConkey, who has 19 receptions for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns. A close second is Quinten Johnston, with 14 receptions for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Chargers need to trade for a designated target man. If rumors are to be believed, then Harbaugh may bring Mike Williams back from New York after the Jets signed Davante Adams. They are currently on a bye week, and this is the best time to make some moves.
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Ishan Misra
(3053 Articles Published)