49ers’ Young Cleared to Resume Playing

Steve Young, sidelined since sustaining his second concussion of the season, received medical clearance Monday to resume playing. That may not be enough, however, to get him back into the 49ers’ starting lineup.

San Francisco Coach George Seifert said he’ll decide within the next couple days whether to start Elvis Grbac on Sunday at Washington or play Young.

Seifert said any reluctance to put Young back in the lineup stemmed from continuing safety concerns and had nothing to do with Grbac’s play.

Young said he has taken the concussions seriously, been examined and reexamined by doctors and is comfortable with getting back on the field.

“If you want to be ultimately safe, just don’t set the alarm clock and stay in bed. To me, cleared to play football means cleared to go take some hits,” Young said.

According to Seifert, Young’s groin strain, which has bothered him most of the season, is still an issue. Seifert is concerned Young has lost some of his mobility, leaving him more vulnerable to crushing tackles.

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Atlanta Falcon cornerback Nate Odomes was charged with drunken driving after a car crash at Suwanee, Ga., in which he sustained a concussion.

Odomes’ 1991 Porsche left the road and hit a tree about 7:20 a.m., said Lt. Joyce A. Vaughan of Fulton County police.

In addition to DUI, he was charged with three traffic violations, she said.

Also, the Falcons signed free-agent defensive end Todd Kelly to a one-year contract.

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The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t sure whether they’ll have running back Charlie Garner or middle linebacker James Willis available Sunday against Arizona.

Garner severely sprained his left ankle during the third quarter of Sunday’s 26-21 loss to Washington.

Team trainer James Collins said Garner might be able to practice Friday, at which time the team would know more about his status.

Willis re-injured his right knee and will be fitted with a new brace this week. His comfort level with it will help determine his availability against Arizona.