Detroit, MI (My Sportsbook) - Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington will sit out the final two games of the season because of an irregular heartbeat, head coach Marty Mornhinweg announced on Monday.

Harrington played one series during the Lions 23-20 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday, but was taken to the hospital for tests and observations after falling ill with the heart problem.

Doctors said Harrington's heartbeat had returned to a normal rhythm before he was hospitalized. The rookie quarterback, who has had no previous heart troubles, will miss the rest of the season for precautionary measures only, according to Mornhinweg.

"Based on consultations with our team doctors, training staff and the attending physicians at Henry Ford Hospital, we believe this is the best decision for Joey," said Mornhinweg.

Harrington, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2002 draft out of Oregon, has started 12 of the 14 games so far this season for the Lions. He has completed 215-of-429 passes for 2,294 yards with 12 touchdowns, but has also been intercepted 16 times.

Mike McMahon, who was replaced by Harrington after starting the first two contests of the season, took over at quarterback in Sunday's game. McMahon completed 10-of-21 passes for 158 yards, one touchdown and one interception in place of Harrington. He also rushed for a touchdown as Detroit dropped its sixth straight game.