Indiana's Matthew Bedford Off Injury Report After Recovering From Heart-Related Issue

Indiana veteran offensive lineman Matthew Bedford was listed as questionable in the pregame injury report against Louisville. He didn't start, but played the entire second half. He clarified Tuesday that he was dealing with a heart-related issue, but heading into the Akron game, it's the best Bedford has felt in a while.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana offensive lineman Matthew Bedford was not included on the pregame injury report for Saturday's game against Akron.

Last week against Louisville, he was listed as questionable but did not start. After an injury to Indiana's Max Longman, Bedford replaced him at right guard for the entire second half. 

The pregame injury report does not specify the type of injury for any player, but Bedford shared insight on Tuesday why he was listed as questionable for last week's game. He said it was not related to the ACL injury he suffered in Week 1 last year that ultimately caused him to miss the rest of the season, but rather a heart-related issue.

"After a workout, my heart just kind of kept beating fast and kind of had to just get it calmed down," Bedford said Tuesday. "Once we got it calmed down, I was perfectly fine. You just got to be careful when you're lifting, man. I was just in there pushing, just trying to push, get as much weight on the bar as possible."

"They talk about teams are made during the season, and I see it as players are made during the season, you know what I'm saying. If you're able to deal with being on the field and being in the weight room and getting stronger, then that's what NFL guys do. That's what next-level guys do, so that's just what I was trying to do and kind of pushed it a little too hard last week.

"I think it was just a one and go. I learned from my mistake. I need to take a break, is what I need."

When asked if there was concern that he would be able to play against Louisville, Bedford said no.

"They kind of just wanted to watch me after the next day in practice and everything and just make sure I wasn't in that same situation," Bedford said. "So by game day I was ready to roll. We just wanted to do the extra precaution, be safe. It's an important year and everything."

After recovering from ACL surgery, and now with the heart-related issue popping up, Bedford has dealt with plenty of adversity for more than a year. But heading into the Akron game, he feels like he's back to himself again.

"I'm feeling good," Bedford said. "Last week I came down with something, but after that game day I was fine, ready to roll. So this week I'm ready to piece together a healthy week, you know what I'm saying. So we have no problems, nothing like that. It's good and everything. I'm ready to blow, man. This is the best I've felt in a while."

Bedford played Week 1 against Ohio State and Week 2 against Indiana State, but only played in the second half against Louisville. If he truly is back to full strength, he should provide an important boost for Indiana. Along with Mike Katic, he is one of Indiana's most experienced offensive linemen and perhaps the most talented. 

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