The Arizona Cardinals chose to play it cautious with quarterback Kevin Kolb, who left Sunday's 21-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers following the team's first series after absorbing a blow to the head.
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said the decision to stick with backup John Skelton was made after evaluating Kolb, who didn't return, in the locker room.
"He didn't feel good," Whisenhunt said of Kolb. "He exhibited some (concussion) symptoms. Our doctors right now, if it's even close they're going to err on the side of caution. ... We didn't feel like it was the smart thing to do so we stuck with John."
Kolb, who was initially listed as questionable to return, was injured when he was hit as he tried to throw on a third-down play. He fumbled, but the Cardinals recovered. He was replaced by Skelton, who threw three interceptions and was benched after three quarters in Arizona's 23-7 loss at San Francisco on Nov. 20.
Skelton sparked the Cardinals early, connecting with Early Doucet on a 60-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He finished 19 of 28 passing for 282 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Kolb was making his second start after missing four games with a right turf toe injury and bruise to the side of the same foot. He returned last week to lead the Cardinals to a 19-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cardinals announced linebacker Paris Lenon was questionable to return to the game with a left knee injury.
San Francisco starting left tackle Joe Staley left the game during the first quarter with a head injury and the team said he would not return.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
