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Jim Harbaugh Returns to Work

Jim Harbaugh underwent a procedure to treat an irregular heartbeat Thursday afternoon and still found time to watch part of the team’s practice in the same day.

The 49ers coach returned to his normal duties on Friday, but his players weren’t surprised to see their head man back to work so soon.

“That’s typical Harbaugh,” offensive lineman Daniel Kilgore said. “We knew he wouldn’t be out long. You expect that from a man like Coach Harbaugh, as blue-collar as he is, a guy who hates to miss work – we knew he’d be back today.”

So what were Kilgore’s thoughts when he saw the 49ers coach return to practice on Thursday?

“I thought he was hardcore.”

Harbaugh said it wasn’t a good feeling to be away from his team.

“It’s like, I’ve had that dream before many times where it’s like you’re supposed to be taking a test, or the team’s out there practicing and you’re not out there,” the 49ers coach said. “So, just glad to be out here.”

Harbaugh said he had an atrial flutter condition during his playing career and once again had it addressed when he felt his heart beating faster than normal Wednesday night.

“The doctor said you need to go in and you need to get this done, this procedure done,” Harbaugh explained of his Wednesday night visit with Stanford’s medical staff. “So, you’re not going to be stubborn like a mule and do what the doctors tell you.”

Harbaugh is working to get caught up to speed on what he missed. Going forward, he’ll have to monitor his caffeine intake, too.

“Just glad to be back at work, glad to be preparing for this ball game,” Harbaugh said. “I’m fine, fine and ready to go to work.

“Just want to do what I’m supposed to do and get back to living.”

As for the status of his own quarterback, Alex Smith, Harbaugh said progress continues to be made leading up to Monday night. Harbaugh, however, would not announce his starting quarterback. He did say Colin Kaepernick is taking more first-team reps this week in preparation for Chicago.