DOCTORS ORDER YOUNG TO SIT OUT.

Byline: Contra Costa Times 

Quarterback Steve Young wants to play, but he will miss this week's game against Baltimore, his agent said Tuesday.

Doctor's orders.

Young suffered a concussion Sunday against Dallas, two weeks after suffering one against Houston. Both times he was forced out of the game.

Young was examined Monday night by Dr. Joseph Lacy, a neurologist from the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, and underwent an MRI.

Lacy, according to a 49ers spokesperson, recommended that Young miss Sunday's game.

Coach George Seifert was not available for comment Tuesday but on Monday said the medical ``specialists will dictate'' whether Young plays this week. Lacy and team doctor James Klint have determined that Young needs at least one week off.

Young's agent, Leigh Steinberg, talked Monday night to 49ers president Carmen Policy and Dr. Michael Dillingham, a team physician. He said there is no doubt Young will miss this game.

``The bottom line is he needs some rest,'' Steinberg said. ``Everyone agrees he needs to at least sit out this week.''

According to Steinberg, the MRI ``did not indicate long-term brain injury. The cumulative effects of these hits hasn't manifested itself yet.''

Even so, Steinberg said he is ``very troubled'' by Young's condition. Steinberg organized a seminar last year dealing with head injuries in the NFL.

``To have one and then another several weeks later begins to run a risk,'' Steinberg said. ``Athletes understand when they play professional football that they may have some aches and pains postcareer. That's a very different proposition from losing one's whole identity. That's what's at risk here.''

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Photo

Photo: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young has suffered two recent concussions.

Associated Press