DENVER (AP) — In a shocking turn of events, Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh sparked concern among fans and officials alike when he suddenly left the field before kickoff against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
According to eyewitnesses, Harbaugh was spotted entering the medical tent for a brief examination by team trainers. Although details of the encounter remain scarce, a Chargers spokesperson later disclosed that the 60-year-old coach was suffering from an unspecified illness.
Fortunately for the Chargers organization, Harbaugh quickly rebounded from his mysterious health scare, returning to the sidelines just in time for kickoff. But the initial shock of the moment served as an ominous portent for a day that would only grow more chaotic as the game unfolded.
Meanwhile, Denver wide back Pat Surtain was also sidelined with a concussion after a hit during the contest. While severe injuries are always unfortunate, both Surtain's absence and Harbaugh's transient health scare will undoubtedly contribute to the complexities and unpredictability that commonly attend tough gridiron battles like these.Both the Bolts — who found themselves lagging behind their opponents — and the charging coaching staff still look to regain their tempo, if momentum becomes harder regained. At this point, time will reveal just exactly how tough Harbaugh's team demonstrates the depth of the bench. While losing a reliable star like Surtain will put Denver in catch-up mode.