SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- A devastating hit knocked Steve Young out and left him with his fourth concussion in three years. The force of the blow is still being felt -- by Young and the San Francisco 49ers.
Though his agent says he's determined to come back and play for the 49ers as soon as possible this season, Young will miss at least one week and possibly more. Doctor's orders.Young went down with the concussion midway through Monday night's game at Arizona. He underwent an MRI on Tuesday and then met with Dr. Gary Steinberg, the chief neurologist at Stanford Hospital, who treated Young when he suffered his last concussion two years ago.
"The MRI did not show any of the so-called white spots, which are thought to be indicative of progressive brain trauma," said agent Leigh Steinberg, who is not related to the neurologist. "So that was clear. But the doctor did recommend he sit out at least a week and possibly two."
Coach Steve Mariucci, after initially expressing hope Young could play this week, released a statement later Tuesday night confirming that Young would be sidelined for a minimum of one week. That leaves backup Jeff Garcia in position to make his first NFL start against Tennessee on Sunday. Steve Stenstrom is the team's third quarterback.
Mariucci said Young's MRI and neurological exam came back normal but that Dr. Steinberg recommended holding him out of action.
"He will participate in practice but will not play against Tennessee," Mariucci said. "We will re-evaluate Steve's status next week."
Leigh Steinberg said the quarterback intends to resume playing as quickly as possible.
He said Young, who has had a history of concussions, has no intention of retiring. There are concerns that repeated concussions over a period of time could lead to future health problems such as premature senility or heighten the risk of Alzheimer's disease, Leigh Steinberg said.
"Steve is not in denial in terms of this concussion issue. He will follow the medical advice," the agent said. "He obviously has tremendous opportunities for life after football and he's not going to endanger that.
"But he happens to love the game and he wants to play. Right now, his focus is on still making this a winning season. Frankly, he wanted to play this week, but I guarantee you he won't."
Young lost consciousness for several seconds after the head-snapping hit in Monday night's 24-10 win at Arizona. He left the game with just seconds remaining in the second quarter and didn't return.
Trying to dodge pressure, Young instead caught the full force of a hit from blitzing cornerback Aeneas Williams. The violent blow knocked Young backward, and as he fell, his head hit tackle Dave Fiore's leg before smashing against the ground.
Young lay motionless on the field with his eyes shut, and tackle Derrick Deese tugged at his jersey to try to help him up. When there was no immediate response, Deese waved to the sideline for help. Team trainers and doctors ran on the field, along with Mariucci.
Young came to after a few moments and walked off the field under his own power. At one point, he even tried to talk Mariucci into letting him re-enter the game, but Mariucci ruled it out. Young then donned a cap and watched from the sideline as Garcia finished.