Shaun Hill, the third-string quarterback who hadn't taken a snap in his two seasons with San Francisco, took over in the second half with San Francisco trailing 27-0.

Dilfer, a 14th-year pro who has been leading the 49ers' struggling offense in Alex Smith's absence, scrambled in an attempt to pick up a first down in the final minute of the first half. Backup cornerback Charles Gordon made the tackle by driving his left shoulder into Dilfer's helmet.

The quarterback went down motionless and stayed on the turf for at least four minutes, with players from both teams gathering around him. Dilfer, who fell a few inches short of the first down, eventually walked gingerly to the sideline and sat on the bench.