ESCONDIDO, Calif. -- Supporters of a Mission Hills High School student who suffered a severe brain injury during a fall football game protested outside an Escondido hospital Tuesday over a decision by Blue Cross of California to suspend further acute rehabilitation care.

The insurance company wants to discharge Scott Eveland from the Palomar Medical Center's Acute Rehabilitation Unit to a less-costly skilled nursing facility, according to the linebacker's mother, Diane Luth.

In a statement, Blue Cross of California said Eveland's family has the right to appeal the decision.

Internal and external medical specialists, including a neurological rehabilitation expert, will now review the case, according to Blue Cross.

"In the meantime, Scott Eveland will remain in Palomar Medical Center and Blue Cross continues to cover his medical care," the statement read. "We are committed to having him stay until the completion of the appeal process. Since this injury occurred to Scott Eveland in September, Blue Cross of California has been and remains committed to providing the most appropriate coverage towards his recovery."

In a letter to Blue Cross of California, Luth said her son has "shown leaps and bounds progress" in his treatment at the facility.

"I think it would be detrimental, if not tragic to my son if you didn't at least allow him four additional weeks to show his continued progress at Palomar acute rehabilitation," Luth wrote.

The 18-year-old has been at the Escondido hospital since he collapsed during a game in September, just after starting his senior year at the school.

Eveland suffered a subdural hematoma, which causes blood to collect around the surface of the brain and swelling of the brain, and was in a coma when he arrived at the hospital.

He has since emerged from the coma, is off life support and is undergoing daily therapy, according to his mother. She said he continues to make progress, including moving his legs, interacting with family and speaking.

About a dozen family members and friends protested outside the hospital, carrying signs in support of Eveland and chanting "Let Scotty Stay."

Blue Cross of California statement concerning Scotty's situation:

"Since this injury occurred in September, Blue Cross of California has been and remains committed to providing the most appropriate coverage towards his recovery.

...the case is under medical review by internal and external medical specialists including a neurological rehabilitation specialist at this time. In the meantime, Scott Eveland will remain in Palomar Medical Center and Blue Cross continues to cover his medical care. We are committed to having him stay until the completion of the appeal process."