SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Tight end Eric Johnson of the San Francisco 49ers could be out for the season after suffering a broken collarbone and a concussion Saturday night.
He was injured in the 49ers' preseason game against the New Orleans.
Johnson was injured on the first play from scrimmage after he was tackled by Saints cornerback Dale Carter on a one-yard pass. Carter appeared to hit Johnson with his helmet.
Initially, the 49ers had no complaints about the severity of the tackle, but that has changed.
The 49ers now are asking the NFL to review the hit.
"All I can say is I think it's something the league should take a look at,'' said Coach Dennis Erickson.
After the play, Johnson returned to the 49ers' huddle, but quarterback Jeff Garcia sent his woozy teammate to the sideline.
"Eric's injury is a huge blow to this team," Erickson said. "It's just too bad, because he's been playing so well. Hopefully we'll get him back. The doctors are telling me that it won't require any surgery."
Johnson, who has caught 76 passes in 25 starts over two seasons after joining the 49ers as a seventh-round pick from Yale, is expected to miss at least 10 weeks.
