Overview
- Johnson said the first concussion came on a Haason Reddick sack, with a later hit from Ndamukong Suh leading to his removal under concussion protocol.
- He recounted failing a sideline test after a referee noticed him stumble, then being sent to the locker room during the NFC Championship Game in Philadelphia.
- Postgame symptoms included light sensitivity, near vomiting, and an episode of almost fainting, followed by an MRI that revealed a brain bleed extending toward his spine and limiting mobility.
- He credited 49ers medical staff and a Bay Area specialist with cutting an initial six‑month recovery estimate to about three months, after which he signed on as a backup with the Ravens and later the Commanders.
- Coverage noted his exit left San Francisco without a throw‑capable quarterback, a scenario later cited in offseason rule changes addressing emergency quarterback availability.