Bryant Young Has Surgery

Lineman Bryant Young, the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive anchor, underwent surgery Tuesday at Stanford Hospital, a day after fracturing both bones in his lower right leg in a freak, sickening collision in Monday night’s victory over the New York Giants.

Team physician Dr. Michael Dillingham inserted a metal rod into the tibia, the main weight-bearing bone between the knee and ankle. The fibula, a smaller supporting bone, was set and will be allowed to heal on its own. Bryant is out for the rest of this season and could miss a part of next season, as well.

Dillingham estimated Young would need eight to nine months of rehabilitation before trying to play again.

“In speaking with Dr. Dillingham about the prognosis, he shared with me that there’s a good possibility that B.Y. will play next season,” Coach Steve Mariucci said. “Obviously, there are no guarantees, because a lot of healing has to take place and things have to go right.”

Mariucci said for now, Young would be replaced with a three-tackle rotation using Brentson Buckner, Shane Bonham and Gabe Wilkins. The 49ers also plan to activate defensive tackle David Richie from the practice squad after the formality of placing Young on injured reserve.

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With cornerback Deion Sanders nursing a sprained toe, the Dallas Cowboys learned that starting left cornerback Kevin Smith likely will miss two weeks because of a strained lower back muscle.

Smith suffered the injury returning a punt in last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Coach Chan Gailey has all but ruled out Sanders “unless there is some miraculous recovery.”

If Sanders is unable to play, the Cowboys will be forced to start second-year player Kenny Wheaton and converted safety Charlie Williams at the corners Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Gailey also said he hoped Kevin Mathis, who has missed the last month because of a broken right arm, will be able to work some at one cornerback spot.

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With a flurry of faxes and phone calls in the final hours, the Bills narrowly beat Tuesday’s noon deadline for selling $11 million in premium seats. That ensures the team will stay in Buffalo, N.Y., for at least another five years.

The $11 million in seat sales to western New York businesses and fans releases $63 million in state funds for renovations to Rich Stadium.

Had the Bills fallen short of the $11 million goal, owner Ralph Wilson could have scrapped the lease deal negotiated with Erie County and the state and left after this season.