Another Concussion Might Force Young To Quit Nfl

Steve Young could be one concussion away from retirement.

The 49ers quarterback, who is sitting out Sunday’s game at St. Louis after suffering his third concussion in 10 months, intends to resume playing next week.

But if he suffers another damaging head blow, the two-time league MVP would seriously consider leaving the game because of the risk of long-term physical damage from repeated concussions, agent Leigh Steinberg said in an interview Friday.

“I’m not saying he would retire,” Steinberg said. “But the next concussion will certainly trigger a discussion of retirement, a heavy discussion.”

Young, who turns 36 next month, sustained his latest concussion last Sunday in San Francisco’s season-opening 13-6 loss at Tampa Bay. Trying to scramble away from pressure, Young was tackled by Warren Sapp and pursuing linebacker Hardy Nickerson flew into the pile, slamming his knee into Young’s head.

After being cleared by team doctors on the sidelines, Young returned to play out the fourth quarter but clearly was not himself. He was examined Tuesday by a neurologist who recommended he rest this week to avoid the possibility of another concussion so soon after the latest blow.

Young, who accompanied the team to St. Louis, is scheduled to be examined again Tuesday and he’s expected to receive clearance to play Sept. 14 against New Orleans.

Family members are voicing increasing concern about the long-term health consequences posed by more punishing hits on Young. His parents have suggested it may be time for Young to hang it up.

49ers reeling

The San Francisco 49ers had the look of a ready-made Super Bowl contender when Steve Mariucci took over as coach.

That has changed dramatically. Heading into Game 2 under Mariucci, the 49ers are operating in a crisis mode, going without injured stars Jerry Rice and Steve Young.

“It’s certainly unexpected, a blow, a shocker but that’s what has happened,” said Mariucci, who took over in January when George Seifert unexpectedly resigned, a week after the club’s ouster from the playoffs by Green Bay for a second straight year.

“Right now that’s reality. We can’t control that. What we can control is what we do from now on and where we go from here depends on who’s left in that locker room and who’s playing. We just have to get it done.”

San Francisco is trying to extend a run of success that includes 14 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins. But for the first time in a decade, the 49ers won’t have either Young or Rice in a game.

“It’s tough all of a sudden to be playing without them,” tight end Brent Jones said. “I think teams are going to be able to play us differently.”

Chiefs, Woods to appeal fine

Safety Jerome Woods and the Kansas City Chiefs will appeal a $7,500 fine for a late hit on John Elway.

Elway called Sunday’s incident “a cheap shot” because Woods threw an elbow at him, but the Chiefs say the hit was legal because Elway was out of the pocket. The Chiefs lost the game 19-3.

The fine was levied because Woods changed direction “to remain on a collision path” with Elway after the quarterback had thrown a 78-yard completion, said Dan Masonson, information coordinator for the AFC.

No penalty was called on the play, but it was reviewed by the NFL at the request of Broncos coach Mike Shanahan after Elway complained about it.

Everett to start for Chargers

San Diego Chargers quarterback Stan Humphries missed his third consecutive day of practice Friday, meaning Jim Everett will start Sunday’s game at New Orleans.

The coaching staff will decide just before game time whether Humphries will be the No. 2 quarterback. If not, that job falls to Craig Whelihan.