Eagle Has Heart Problem

Philadelphia Eagle defensive end Jerome McDougle did not practice Friday because of an irregular heartbeat and was doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

Trainer Rick Burkholder said McDougle complained after Thursday’s practice of feeling lightheaded, shortness of breath and upper respiratory infection symptoms.

The Eagles sent him to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.

He spent most of the evening in the emergency room and took medication that restored a normal heartbeat within four or five hours, Burkholder said.

Burkholder said McDougle had no history of heart trouble and doctors didn’t know why he developed the problem, though it could have been caused by a virus.

“He has an absolutely normal heart,” Burkholder said. “There’s nothing out of the ordinary, no disease in the heart, nothing they think would have caused this.”

McDougle has been productive in a reserve role after sitting out half of his rookie season because of injuries. He has five tackles and a sack this season.

Coach Andy Reid said he’ll wait until doctors make a final decision before deciding whether McDougle can play.

“He had a good week of practice,” Reid said. “It’s not that he doesn’t know what’s going on.”