Broncos' Vic Fangio hospitalized with kidney stone, will coach Hall of Fame Game

On the day that Vic Fangio is supposed to debut as a first-time NFL head coach, the Denver Broncos took him to a Cleveland-area hospital. The 61-year-old Fangio is battling a kidney stone.

Fangio's condition was originally reported by Adam Schefter and later confirmed by Broncos PR head Patrick Smyth. It called into question Fangio's availability for the Broncos' first preseason game of the season — the Hall of Fame Game — due to kick off Thursday evening at 6 p.m. MST.

"Broncos HC Vic Fangio was taken to the hospital by a team physician this afternoon and was treated for a kidney stone," Smyth tweeted Thursday afternoon. "He is planning on coaching tonight’s game against the Falcons."

No matter what one's age is, a kidney stone can be tremendously painful. It's unclear whether the medical attention Fangio received at the hospital was enough to pass the stone, but even if he did, the veteran coach is likely to be in some pain on the sidelines.

The truth is, Fangio has waited four decades for Thursday night's game. Wild horses probably couldn't keep him from coaching tonight.

Even though it is an exhibition game vs. the Atlanta Falcons, it isn't meaningless. There is a symbolic utility to the Broncos playing their first game with Fangio as head coach with him on the sideline where he belongs.

After all, players often have to take the field and perform in pain. In a different way, Fangio is proving that he won't ask his players to do anything that he himself is not willing to do.

We will update you if any further information comes to light before kickoff.

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen.