Med OK Expected For Young

January 15, 2000 / 3:21 PM EST / CBS/AP

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young, sidelined for the final 13 games of the 1999 season by concussions, probably will be medically cleared to play this year, his agent told the San Francisco Examiner.

"It's quite probable he will," Leigh Steinberg said Thursday, while watching practice for Saturday's Shrine Bowl. "He could pass a physical. It's just his choice. Steve wants to play. He's weighing his options. His goal has always been to retire a 49er, and he's not ready to retire."

Earlier this week, Steinberg indicated to The Associated Press that while Young might be ready to play, he might not do so with the 49ers, who are seeking that he cut his salary in half so the team could get under the salary cap.

He suggested that Young might want to play for one of his former coaches, perhaps Mike Holmgren in Seattle. Holmgren was Young's quarterback coach in college at BYU and his quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator with San Francisco before leaving after the 1991 season to coach in Green Bay.

Young, 38, must receive medical clearance from his neurologist before resuming his career. He was sidelined in the team's third season game by his fourth concussion in three years.

Dr. Gary Steinberg no relation to Young's agent has not cleared the two-time league MVP for play.

Young's agent said the question of whether the quarterback will play did not appear to be medical.

"Now, the risk is his," Leigh Steinberg said. "Steve's decisions now are: Does he feel like he wants another season or two? What will the 49ers' protection be like next year? We need to hear their plans, how they plan to protect him."

Complicating matters are salary cap issues. The 49ers have asked Young and some other key veterans to take substantial pay cuts in a bid to keep the team together and help resolve a salary cap crisis.

General manager Bill Walsh must eliminate a $24 million cap overrun by March 1, when all teams have to be in compliance with the NFL's payroll limit.

Young has said he would consider taking a pay cut to remain with the team, but no deal has been reached. Steinberg told the AP that the amount of the cut that Young and other veterans are being asked to take might be too great for them to remain.

Another possible influence on whether Young will return to play is his impending marriage to Barbara Graham of Phoenix. The two are planning to wed during the offseason.