San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh was not at practice on Thursday, but was at Stanford Hospital having a “minor procedure” for an irregular heartbeat.
The team released a statement, indicating that they expect him to return to the facility on Friday.
49ers All Pro linebacker Patrick Willis indicated that he felt Harbaugh’s health was of the utmost importance, but was confident of his quick recovery.
“Coach Harbaugh always tells us he’s tougher than a $2 steak. We know he’s going to be alright,” Willis said. “We know we have a bunch of great coaches here that keep everything on track, and we’re going to practice today as if he was here.”
Harbaugh has completely turned around the 49ers franchise in his one-and-a-half seasons at the helm. He took over a team that was 6-10 in 2010 and led them to a 13-3 record and one game short of the Super Bowl last season.
Willis indicated that he didn’t see anything unusual about Harbaugh in their Wednesday meetings.
“He actually sat right behind me in meetings,” Willis said. “He seemed fine. I didn’t know anything was wrong. But like I said, we know he’s going to be alright.”
