49ers' Hearst breaks leg on first play

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Saturday January 09, 1999 01:23 PM

Hearst, who attempted to spin away from a tackle by the Falcons' Chuck Smith, twisted his left leg awkwardly on the turf at the Georgia Dome AP

ATLANTA (AP) -- San Francisco's Garrison Hearst, the NFC's second-leading rusher, broke a bone in his left leg on the first play from scrimmage during Saturday's divisional playoff game against Atlanta.

Heart broke the left fibula -- a bone in the lower leg between the knee and ankle.

Hearst, who gained 1,570 rushing yards during the regular season, second to Atlanta's Jamal Anderson, who had 1,846 yards, was hurt when he attempted to spin away from a tackle by the Falcons' Chuck Smith. Hearst twisted his left leg awkwardly on the turf at the Georgia Dome.

Hearst, who had cramps in his right calf and left hamstring in last week's 30-27 win over Green Bay, lay on the turf for several minutes, before being helped to his feet and taken off the field.

He was replaced by Terry Kirby, who rushed for 258 yards on 48 carries, a 5.4-yard average, during the regular season.

 

Related information
Stories
Falcons ready to give 49ers another tough challenge
Multimedia
Click here for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI.