BALTIMORE — Veteran quarterback Steve McNair was knocked out late in the first quarter of the Baltimore Ravens’ 23-21 loss to the Carolina Panthers after suffering a medium concussion, neck sprain and an abrasion on the back of his neck when he was sandwiched between two defenders.
McNair was released from nearby Union Memorial hospital Sunday evening after undergoing X-rays, a CT scan on his neck and a magnetic resonance imaging exam on his head. All tests were ruled negative, as were X-rays performed at M&T Bank Stadium.
Team officials said that McNair’s situation isn’t believed to be serious and that he should be able to start against the New Orleans Saints following the bye week.
“Hopefully, it wasn’t that serious where he will miss any time,†receiver Derrick Mason said. “It’s kind of good that the week off will help him.â€
McNair was replaced by backup Kyle Boller and didn’t return. He appeared disoriented following a sack generated by defensive end Mike Rucker and linebacker Chris Draft on pressure up the middle. McNair was extremely slow to get off the turf after being hit and was helped into the locker room for further examination.
Boller threw three touchdowns, two off deflected passes, and one interception. McNair was 2-of-4 for 4 yards along with an interception on an overthrow.
“My mindset when it happened was, ‘Oh, my God,’†running back Jamal Lewis said. “I went up to Kyle and said, ‘Let’s go, let’s do it.â€
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times in Westminster, Maryland
