The show goes on.

Even after the 49ers lost 34-7 last night, at 5-9 with two divisional games remaining, they have not yet been eliminated from playoff contention.

St. Louis and Seattle will have to lose this weekend to keep the 49ers playoff hopes alive. But there’s a possibility that both could do just that.

St. Louis hosts an 8-5 Kansas City Chiefs team that has an ailing Matt Cassel at quarterback, who is questionable to start after missing last week’s 31-0 loss to San Diego due to an emergency appendectomy surgery.

Seattle also has a home game against an 11-2 Atlanta Falcons squad looking to retain first place in the NFC South and their one game lead for home field advantage in the NFC playoffs.

It’s not over yet for the 49ers, but many players were solemn in speaking with the media last night and on Friday.

There was not much to be said a day after a crushing defeat to the Chargers. It was probably the quietest the 49ers locker room has been all season. The prideful players know they let an opportunity slip out of their reach in San Diego.

“You know what the most frustrating thing is about tonight? It’s not about having to sit back and wait for other teams to see what they do. But it’s knowing we had the opportunity to be sitting in the driver’s seat after tonight,” linebacker Takeo Spikes said postgame after recording 12 tackles with a broken right hand.

“The facts are we still have a chance and I’m very grateful. I relayed to the guys, be grateful. There are a lot of teams that don’t.

“We still have a chance and to me, that’s bigger than anything. That’s what I’m hanging my hat on. That’s my motivation.”

One day later, Mike Singletary said he’s focused solely on St. Louis, who the 49ers will play in nine days.

“As tough of a loss as it was night for us, there’s still an opportunity at hand,” the 49ers head coach said in his press briefing. “We’re to get ready for St. Louis and get ready for a tough division foe.”

The 49ers beat the Rams at home back on Nov. 14, thanks to a career day from quarterback Troy Smith.

Singletary said he’s yet to determine if he’ll make a move back to Troy, who performed well against St. Louis once prior.

“We’re looking at film and we’ll handle it down the road,” he said.

Singletary didn’t want to spend too much time wallowing over the San Diego loss. “For me the quicker we put San Diego behind us – the better,” he said.

Injury Report

The following injuries were announced by Singletary at the start of his press conference: Linebacker Travis LaBoy (knee sprain), running back Anthony Dixon (ankle sprain), safety Dashon Goldson (finger dislocated), linebacker Manny Lawson (thigh contusion), and cornerback Nate Clements (ankle).

After returning to team headquarters following a five-day break over the bye week, the 49ers weren’t experiencing a typical case of the Mondays.

The 2-6 squad came into work eager to get in an extra practice and put all their focus towards Sunday’s opponent at Candlestick Park, the 4-4 St. Louis Rams.

The 49ers are looking for their third consecutive home victory (the last took place in London) and will need the come-from-behind overseas win to carry over positively this week.

While several players headed home for the week, there were others who stayed nearby. For example, quarterback Alex Smith spent most of the week rehabbing his injured non-throwing shoulder. Smith began lifting weights on Monday, but said he refrained from overhead lifting.

“I’m continuing to wrap-up the rehab but I’m still not cleared for right now,” Smith said during the team’s afternoon media availability. “I’m trying to get better every day – that’s my main concern.”

Neither Alex Smith or Troy Smith had heard a definitive word as to who will start against St. Louis. Both said they’re preparing as if they’re starting. Alex didn’t participate in Monday’s practice leaving all the reps to Troy and said he hopes to test out his arm later in the week, noting that his arm continues to get better each day.

Conversely, Troy spent his bye week back home in Cleveland with his family. In addition to going over the 49ers playbook, he spent time watching the NFL games on Sunday and wasn’t at all surprised to see upsets across the league.

“It lets you know there’s good football everywhere,” Smith noted. “Teams are playing well, that has no bearing on us. We have to go out and execute as a team. It’s good to see everybody playing well, but we have to play well too.”

The 49ers will have to make a decision at some point as to who will start in Sunday’s important divisional contest. But as Troy pointed out, all the quarterbacks prepare the same every week – no matter the circumstance.

“Continuing to get better and learn the offense that’s pretty much my life right now,” he said.

Say ‘Bye’ to the Routine

Eight weeks into an NFL season, players tend to get into a routine. Meetings and film review on Mondays. Players’ day off on Tuesdays. Practices and meetings the rest of the week, then traveling plans are made based on opponent.

But the players said goodbye to routines last week and enjoyed a change to the norm.

“I guess the bye week is weird for your first year, but after awhile you get used to it,” fourth-year cornerback Tarell Brown said. “You get into a routine here at the facility, and so it feels good to get away.”

Brown’s defensive back mate Nate Clements agreed.

“I’m used to it now. I relaxed, tried to get myself back healthy and watched some football games and the Zenyatta race. I just chilled and stayed around here.”

While a bye week is always appreciated by the players, the timing of this year’s break was exactly what the team needed.

“We have a few guys nicked up and its perfect timing for guys to heal up from injuries, get away, relax and then get back into it,” Clements said. “It’s all downhill from now.”

The 49ers rookies especially enjoyed their first week-long break in an NFL season.

Third-round linebacker NaVorro Bowman visited with his son in Washington D.C., while first-round tackle Anthony Davis spent time with his family in Piscataway, NJ.

Both said they’re refreshed and ready for the next eight-week stretch of football.

“I think now that we’ve played the first part of the season, these next eight weeks are do or die,” Bowman said. “You either want it or you don’t and I think the whole team is approaching it like that.”

“Being in my hometown and seeing all the support, it helps get you going,” Davis said.

When the 49ers traveled to Philadelphia to face the Eagles last December, coach Andy Reid knew he was matched up against a good team.

And as his squad prepares to come to San Francisco this weekend, Reid believes the 49ers team they will play Sunday is even better than the one they saw nearly 10 months ago.

“They play aggressive football, very similar to the personality of their head coach” Reid said during his Wednesday conference call with the Bay Area media. “They’re tough. They fly around on defense and make plays.”

And two guys on the defense who have been making a lot of plays this season are starting cornerbacks Nate Clements and Shawntae Spencer.

Both are physical cornerbacks known for their tough play and great instincts on the field. But they will be facing DeSean Jackson and the rest of Philadelphia’s receiving corps, a group known for its speed and big-play ability.

While Jackson acknowledged those perceptions during his conference call, the third-year wide receiver said those aren’t things he is concerned with heading into Sunday night.

“It doesn’t matter what type of defenders are guarding me,” Jackson said. “Whoever it is, I have to go out there and compete against the guys and do things like that. I look forward to every opportunity being the competitor I am.”

While Jackson isn’t worried about the type of cornerbacks he will be facing, he is concerned with is his team’s record. He said the Eagles are “desperate for a win” after falling to 2-2 last week, and he’d like to come back to the Bay Area, where he played collegiately at Cal, to right the ship.

“I’m just ready to come back and play in front of my home state and just go out there and get a win,” he said.

Jackson has had success in two contests against the 49ers (six receptions for 98 yards in 2008, six receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown in 2009), but one player he’s yet to face professionally is rookie starting safety Taylor Mays.

Jackson remembers facing Mays when the two were Pac-10 rivals as “a big guy who has some speed.”

But one member of the 49ers roster Jackson and the rest of the Eagles know very well is running back Brian Westbrook.

Westbrook spent the first the first eight years of his career in Philadelphia, and Reid said releasing him this offseason was a very tough decision.

“Brian is one of my all-time favorite players,” he said, “maybe one of the smartest player I’ve coached, and so talented.”

Click here to listen to Reid’s conference call.

Click here to listen to Jackson’s conference call.

Taylor Mays will be the 49ers starting safety opposite of Dashon Goldson, head coach Mike Singletary announced Monday.

The team’s second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft performed quite well in his first career start at Atlanta. He totaled a team-high 11 tackles and made a heads-up play recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Mays’ complete body of work impressed his veteran teammates, who noticed that the No. 49 overall pick out of USC came into the game as prepared as possible.

“It showed when he got on the field,” cornerback Nate Clements said. “He was ready to roll. He knew what he was doing and he was confident in what he was doing. Because of that, he made some plays.”

Clements was especially pleased with how Mays prepared himself through the preseason and first three regular season games prior to making his defensive debut on Sunday.

“It’s definitely encouraging. We tell the (younger) guys that the NFL is a long season. These guys have to prepare like they’re starting every week because you never know. You always have to be ready and he was ready.”

Mays was happy to be named the starter, but said it won’t change his approach.

“I’ve been learning every day and really trying to get better on a day-to-day basis,” he said. ”I really take every day as a chance to get better and that’s what I’ve been doing. That’s what I have to continue to do.”

Now playing opposite of Goldson, the same player who tried to recruit Mays to the University of Washington, the 49ers newest starter is eager to build on what the defense has done to this point.

“I’m happy to be able to step in and help the team,” Mays said. “It’s a responsibility and I have to play at a high level, play up to the level that our defense has been playing at. I’m trying to do everything I can to help and support the team.”

Mays is going to keep following the lead of his veteran teammates, who, like the coaching staff, have aided his development up to this point.

“I felt like we played good enough to win a game, but we didn’t win. I know we have great leaders on this defense and we’ll do what we have to do in order to be successful.”

One of those leaders, Clements, was as scrutinized as any 49ers player after the loss. Clements’ fourth-quarter fumble gave the Falcons new life and a chance to kick a game-winning field goal.

The veteran cornerback talked about the fumble on Monday, calling it an instinctual play.

“It was happening fast,”  Clements said of the play in which he was stripped from behind by Atlanta wideout Roddy White, allowing the Falcons to recover at their own 7-yard line with 1:31 left in the game. “I caught the ball and I didn’t see anybody but the quarterback and I had three blockers. I was just trying to advance the ball for the offense.”

Clements said the play “definitely stung.”

The 10-year veteran added that if he had carried the ball “high and tight” as Singletary routinely says in practice, the fumble and scrutiny would have never taken place.

Clements’ said his teammates encouraged him after the game and told him to keep making plays.

The perceived easier upcoming schedule for the 49ers is not entering Singletary’s thought process. Not one bit. “I don’t every say the schedule is softening,” he said. “Every week, you just have to play.”

On the debut of Mike Johnson as offensive coordinator, Singletary said the former quarterbacks coach called the game well. “He got the ball in the hands of the play-makers. We were able to utilize Frank in some other ways… I thought he kept them guessing.”

According to the head coach, the only way for the 49ers to break the four-game losing streak is to simply work harder. “This is the time you have to take it the next gear.”

The injuries from the game included: guard Chilo Rachal (left knee sprain), tight end Delanie Walker (left ankle sprain), linebacker Manny Lawson (knee contusion) and safety Reggie Smith (hamstring). Rachal’s day-to-day, Walker will be re-evaluated and Lawson and Smith are “fine” according to Singletary.

Mike Singletary is scheduled to speak to the media prior to Tuesday’s only practice of the day.

New 49ers running back Brian Westbrook just trotted out to the practice fields wearing his red No. 20 jersey.

Singletary said Westbrook’s addition won’t change the team’s expectations for the upcoming season. They were already high before the talented runner signed a one-year contract, the head coach said.

Wide receiver Brandon Jones is out on the practice field for the first time in more than a week. Jones was hampered by a hamstring injury but is lining up to field kicks during the opening special teams period. Josh Morgan is also returning kicks today. Rookie wideout Kyle Williams is out with a sprained big toe suffered Sunday against the Colts.

I’m positioned by the running back individual drills taking a closer look at Westbrook. First thing I’ve noticed is how low he gets to the ground during cone drills.

Outside linebacker Travis LaBoy is back practicing for the first time since suffering a concussion at the team’s lone practice in Monterey.

Several plays into first 7-on-7 period and Westbrook has yet to jump in. Looks like he’s only getting mental reps. He’s standing right by running backs coach Tom Rathman going over each play call.

During the period, Joe Nedney works on field goals on the adjacent field. He didn’t suit up against the Colts, but Singletary explained he knows what Nedney can do already.

Highlights from first team period included: a one-handed catch by Anthony Dixon on a quick pass out of the backfield and Alex Smith’s 40-yard deep touchdown to Ted Ginn Jr. down the left sideline over Shawntae Spencer’s coverage.

Not a serious note, but Andy Lee is wearing a black hat today. It’s important to note because he’s worn the same red 49ers hat for the last five years every day at practice.

Team works on two-minute offense with the soothing sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire blaring from speakers lining the practice fields to simulate crowd noise. Smith connects on first four passes. Make that six passes. Smith hits Gore in the right flat then completes comeback to Ginn, who makes amazing one-handed grab. Less than 40 ticks on the clock, Smith lasers deep end zone pass to Jason Hill for a touchdown.

That’s it for practice.

Here’s some reaction in the locker room after the conclusion of practice.

Across the board, the 49ers were excited to welcome Westbrook into the locker room on Tuesday.

“He works hard on and off the field,” said 49ers safety Michael Lewis, Westbrook’s former teammate with the Philadelphia Eagles. “He’s going to make some plays for us out there.”

One of Westbrook’s teammates at the 2004 Pro Bowl also was pleased in finding out the news Monday afternoon.

“I was definitely excited about that because I know he’s a great player,” cornerback Nate Clements said. “Over the years, he’s been a very explosive player. He’s a talented player and I’m happy to have him on our team.”

One of the 49ers largely responsible for opening running holes for Westbrook, tackle Joe Staley, said the addition of Westbrook was “huge” for the 49ers.

But before Westbrook can make an immediate impact he has to learn the playbook . It’s the first time in eight seasons Westbrook will have to learn a new offense. That’s why he spent most of his time during team periods going over plays with running backs coach Tom Rathman and other members of the 49ers offense.

“I’m just trying to learn the offense and get a grasp of things,” Westbrook said after his first practice with the 49ers. “Really, the hardest thing to do is sit on the sidelines and watch, but that’s probably the best way to learn.”

Westbrook said he’s been instructed to take things slow and learn the playbook before he sees action on the field. As for playing this Sunday in the 49ers preseason home opener, that will also be a decision made by Singletary.

“If you don’t know the plays, you’re wasting your time out there on the field. You have to learn the plays first and then we’ll go from there,” Westbrook said.

Rookie Responsibilities

It’s obvious that the 49ers offensive linemen have been working extremely hard on the practice fields during training camp. But what they’re not doing this year… is working over their rookie teammates to do countless amounts of chores.

“It’s training camp, their heads are spinning and we’ve eased off on them so they can learn that playbook,” Staley said. “But once the season comes, they’re definitely going to be doing chores.”

Staley didn’t have it as easy as a rookie in 2007. As the only newcomer to the offensive line, he was responsible for doing chores for the entire line, including random errands for former 49ers guard Larry Allen.

“I had to do everything, get Jamba Juices, go get snacks, food for the trips, breakfast in the morning, everything and anything they wanted – especially for Allen. He’d ask me for anything.

“He’d be like, ‘Hey rookie, I need this magazine, it’s only at this 7-11 and it’s 40 miles away. Go get it.’ And I’d be like, ‘OK…’ I would go get it, that’s the type of stuff we had to do. And I had to sing, which these guys haven’t had to do yet.”

Check out photos from Tuesday’s afternoon practice session.

Linebacker Parys Haralson has a laugh during stretching.

Offensive linemen work on snaps on the practice fields.

Vallejo native, wide receiver Bobby Guillory running a route at practice.

Head Coach Mike Singletary and VP of Player Personnel Trent Baalke chat during Tuesday’s practice.

Fans are in the stands clapping and that can only mean one thing – the players are warming up for Saturday’s open afternoon practice. They’re in shells, so no pad-crunching hits, but plenty of plays are out there to be made.

Kickoff return is up first instead of individual drills. Like yesterday Ted Ginn Jr. is the first returner, followed by Kyle Williams, LeRoy Vann and Dominique Zeigler. As it takes place, Frank Gore works on ball security on the other practice field. He’s holding a football covered with a thick elastic cord that’s being yanked by a training camp assistant.

Offense works on two-minute drill. After a couple of completions, Smith found Michael Crabtree, who put an impressive open-field move on Patrick Willis.

Best catch of camp (perhaps) just happened as Williams caught a one-handed rope during route-running drills. The rookie never broke speed and still managed to catch the ball as if his hand was covered in glue. Crowd erupted with applause immediately following the catch.

First turnover of the day took place during 7-on-7 period. Alex Smith threw a deep out intended for Josh Morgan but the third-year wideout stumbled out of his break leaving Nate Clements all alone to make the interception. It’s Clements’ first takeaway of camp.

Opening team period is highlighted by Zeigler’s diving catch on a skinny post pattern. Ball from David Carr. Next play Carr leaves it short for tight end Tony Curtis, cornerback Will James nearly picks it off but fails to secure possession.

Dashon Goldson picks off Nate Davis’ over-the-middle pass. The fourth-year safety now has three INTs in camp so far.

Offense is forced to pick up fourth down with less than a minute left. Smith finds Crabtree over-the-middle who puts on a nice open field move on Patrick Willis. Next play, Smith completes pass to Josh Morgan for a 20-yard gain. Twenty seconds left on the clock ball is spotted on the 15-yard line. Singletary calls the drill over after Morgan’s catch put the offense in field goal range. Second-team offense and defense are up next.

Carr launches deep ball for tight end Joe Jon Finley, who was then flagged for pushing off on linebacker NaVorro Bowman. Offense unable to get in scoring range and drill ends on downs.

Offense and defense split fields and work on walking through plays separately. Looks like that’s it for practice.

Injury update from public relations: Linebacker Ahmad Brooks suffered a kidney laceration in a previous practice and will re-evaluated in two weeks.

Here’s some photos from the afternoon practice.

Goldson waits for teammates to celebrate his interception with.

Here’s the move Crabtree put on Willis in the open field.

Rookie guard Mike Iupati signs autographs for the 49ers Faithful.

If Vernon Davis catches one more touchdown pass this week against the St. Louis Rams, he’ll tie Antonio Gates’ single-season record of 13 touchdown catches set back in 2004.

But the 49ers aren’t looking at it like it’s a one-man accomplishment for their starting tight end. It’s really more of a team feat.

“It’s a credit to the guys around him. We all depend on each other. But we’re happy for him, he’s worked really hard,” quarterback Alex Smith said.

In Davis’ first three seasons, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2005 draft had 103 catches for 1,132 yards (11 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns. To put his breakout year into further perspective, already this season Davis has 72 catches for 876 yards (12.2 yards per catch) and 12 touchdowns.

With numbers like that, Davis has the support of all his teammates in being a strong candidate to make the 2010 Pro Bowl.

“I’d love to see him on that list,” Smith said. “I’d love to see as many guys as possible, but especially him. He’s worked hard and had a lot of the stats this year to back it up.”

Davis and the rest of the 49ers will have to wait until 4:15 PM PT on Tuesday when Pro Bowl rosters are announced.

And while Smith was unaware of what Davis needed to pass the league milestone, the 49ers signal caller said he wouldn’t press the issue in St. Louis.

“I don’t think we’re going to force anything. We’re just going to let it happen. We’re going to try and win the game,” Smith said. “I think there’s something to be said about him and the work he’s put in over the last few years as well as this season.”

According to Smith, Davis’ development has forced opposing defenses to game plan for the 49ers versatile tight end.

“Definitely his speed up the field is something that causes problems,” Smith said. “I think you can see in these last few weeks defenses have acknowledged [that] and are making adjustments too.  I think they’re more conscious of him.”

Smith was pretty aware of Davis on a 2-yard rollout touchdown pass in which the quarterback could have kept the ball for a touchdown run. Ultimately, Smith decided to throw his 17th touchdown pass of the season.

“It looked better on film than what it looked like in my head,” Smith said. “It definitely would have been a bang-bang play at the goal line. I don’t think it would have been a walk in like I kind of had in my mind. Either way, it turned out the way it did.”

Asked if he’d taken up Davis on his offer to pick up a dinner tab this week, Smith replied, “Not yet, I’ll hit him up on that.”

More Monday Notes

-Mike Singletary opened his press conference by announcing the 49ers injury report following the Lions game. Right guard Chilo Rachal will undergo an MRI later on Monday on his knee, left tackle Joe Staley is day-to-day with a knee contusion, Glen Coffee remains questionable with a hamstring injury and cornerback Shawntae Spencer has a wrist sprain. “Should be fine,” Singletary said of Spencer’s injury.

-Later, Singletary said kicker Joe Nedney and cornerback Nate Clements will not return to action this season. Ricky Schmitt will get another chance to kick for the 49ers. He made 2-of-3 field goals against Detroit.

-Singletary said the offense planned on getting the ball early and often to running back Frank Gore, but Detroit countered by stacking the box with eight defenders. Singletary said the 49ers played a “cat and mouse” game early on and that’s why Gore only had seven carries in the first half.

-Singletary wasn’t happy that his offense struggled to convert the Lions six turnovers into points of their own. “It’s not acceptable. It’s never acceptable,” he said.

-The head coach also has reservations about continuing to use starting wide receiver Josh Morgan as a kick returner. It’s not just offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye who feels that way. “That’s a priority for us this offseason, to find a return guy,” Singletary revealed.

-The 49ers are the only team in the league to force five or more turnovers in three games this season. Singletary said the credit goes to the team maturing on defense. In particular, he highlighted the growth of free safety Dashon Goldson and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks. This season, both players are playing the most they ever had in any points of their career. Goldson leads the team with four interceptions while Brooks leads the team with 6.0 sacks.

-“Goldson has gotten more comfortable back there. He’s really doing a good job of reading the quarterback better,” Singletary said. “Ahmad has really stepped up in the second half of the season.”

-Singletary was asked if other linebacker had more range than 49ers two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis, he responded, “No.”

-Singletary made a great point to close out his press conference when fielding a question on the importance of finishing the season 8-8. The head coach reminded the media that beating the Rams is not a foregone conclusion. “You have to go earn 8-8,” he stated.

With the playoffs out of the picture, the 49ers are vowing to finish the 2009 season on a strong note.

“You’re disappointed, but we still have two games left. We’re going to prepare just like we have a chance of going [to the postseason],” outside linebacker Parys Haralson said. “When you play this game, you always play like you’re going to give it your best all the time. We’re upset about the playoff situation, but we still have two games to play. We enjoy playing football and we want to go out and play for each other.”

Head coach Mike Singletary elaborated that point even further by emphasizing the importance of the 49ers finishing the season 8-8. The team can do that with wins at home this Sunday over Detroit and the following Sunday on the road in St. Louis.

Asked if he would use the final two weeks to evaluate backups on the 53-man roster, Singletary said that would not be on top of his agenda.

“The last message I want to send is: we want to evaluate before we want to win. We want to win. Every time we step on the field, I want our guys to know we want to win and we want to compete.”

However, Singletary said young players could get valuable experience in limited playing time without having to sacrifice for the greater good of the team. According to Singletary, backups could be involved for a series at a time, but not at the cost of winning.

“Both these games are definitely important, no question,” quarterback Alex Smith said. “I’ve been here five years now and [8-8] would be the best record.”

Despite the frustration of losing another game because of “self-inflicted wounds,” Smith said he undoubtedly feels something special developing in the 49ers locker room.

“I’m not just saying this to say this, but I do feel like there’s been a bit of a mindset change around here, an expectation level, a confidence in what we can do,” Smith added.
More Monday Notes

-Singletary opened his press conference by sharing an exchange he had with quarterback Alex Smith last night. “I owe him an apology,” Singletary said a day after he was critical of his quarterback’s performance in a 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. “I talked with him after the game and we had a conversation where I really kind of challenged him on some things, some of those throws or whatever. After looking at it, I have a better perspective.”

-Smith said the talk between the two was a positive one for him as well. “He did [apologize]. He doesn’t owe me an apology though,” Smith added. “We were all disappointed with yesterday. That wasn’t the only thing we talked about. The point is to get better moving on. It was a good talk. I did take a lot away from it.”

-Singletary went on to detail each of Smith’s first-half interceptions. According to the head coach, tight end Vernon Davis could have made a better play on Smith’s first interception that was picked off deep over-the-middle by Eagles safety Quintin Mikell. “I think the ball was there. It’s just one of those situations where Vernon either has to make that play, or either he has to stop that DB from making that play. He’s got to help the quarterback as well,” Singletary said.

-The second interception was due to a “trap coverage,” in which the Eagles baited Smith into throwing to Davis. “It’s a trap coverage where you’re throwing the ball on timing, and it looks like the receiver, or the defender is going with that receiver, and you come back and get in front of the second guy that the quarterback is going to try and throw the ball to because he feels that either the corner or the safety has run off, but they come back.”

-Singletary had no grandiose explanation for the final Smith turnover, other than it “was just a poor decision.” Smith tried to dump the ball off while he was getting hit in the pocket. Singletary said it was Smith’s fault for trying to force the issue.

-The 49ers head coach expressed remorse for not getting the ball in the hands of Frank Gore more often, who finished with a game-high 16 carries for 107 yards. ‘I thought Frank ran the ball well when he had the opportunity,” Singletary said. “It’s a shame we couldn’t have gotten him the ball more last night. That’s kind of the way we were built in thinking this week, running the ball a little bit more this week because they’re a smaller front. When we got behind – which is what they’re built for, coming from behind, rushing the passer, stunting, those kinds of things – they got to do what they do more than we did. That’s kind of the situation there.”

 -The game’s injury report included, kicker Joe Nedney who re-injured a hamstring injury on a kick-off following his 25-yard field goal. Nedney underwent an MRI on Monday, with results to be determined. Singletary said if Nedney can’t play against Detroit, the team would likely bring someone in to handle the kicking duties. Singletary noted that he didn’t think punter Andy Lee could handle duel kicking responsibilities.

-Other than Nedney, rookie running back Glen Coffee had a thigh strain and also underwent an MRI on Monday. Singletary noted that left tackle Joe Staley was feeling fine after his first start in months.

-In other injury news, cornerback Nate Clements is unsure if he’ll return this season. He has been rehabbing diligently to return to the 49ers lineup, but isn’t sure if he’ll be able to participate in either of the final two games of the season. He’ll have to undergo one last MRI to make sure his fractured scapula is completely healed. “I’m taking it one day at a time, just doing what the trainers having me doing for rehab. I’m trying to get my shoulder back right,” Clements said. “Right now the range of motion is good, strength-wise; I’m kind of weaker there. I think it comes with time and the healing of the bone.”

-It’s been the longest period of games missed in Clements’ nine-year NFL career. “I missed one game last year, but this is the first time where I’ve been out a consistent period of time. It’s been frustrating not being out there to help the team.”

Moments after Mike Singletary thoroughly explained how several members of the offense met with him last week to express opinions about the offense’s direction – players in the locker room were also asked to comment.

But according to quarterback Alex Smith the matter was blown out of proportion.

“This is not something that is new. It’s always been there,” Smith explained. “I know a lot has been made of this – I just think with the more you play in an offense – the better you play in that system.”

Smith said that Singletary and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye’s office doors have always been open for players to express themselves. Those visits picked up, ever since the 49ers used more of a shotgun attack in the second half of the Green Bay game. From that point on, the offense grew increasingly excited about its potential in a spread attack.

With players communicating that with the coaching staff, Smith said it spoke volumes about the steps the team has taken recently.

“I think the more comfortable we get with things, you’re going to get a little more input to maybe what you like, maybe what you think you can do. I just think that comes with growth, with experience.”

Tight end Delanie Walker also felt those discussions were critical.  

“It says a lot. Our philosophy is that we’re a family. We’ve been a family since training camp. Now it’s just bringing us together even more. You tell a couple guys something. Then one of them goes up there for the offensive team. Then a change comes around and we have a great change and can win games in the spread offense. I think it brings us together closer.”

More Monday Notes

-Singletary announced the following injury report at the conclusion of his press conference, something he normally opens with. “[WR] Josh Morgan: Hip contusion, taking it day-to-day he should be fine.  [DT] Kentwan Balmer: Right shoulder sublex, his shoulder went out, went back in and that’s day-to-day. [LB] Parys Haralson: thumb contusion and [S] Curtis Taylor is having an MRI today: hip strain.

-Singletary again was pleased with the play of his quarterback. “Alex Smith, I thought, did a very nice job,” he explained. “I thought he took a big step yesterday. This is an offense that he talked about and envisioned and was able to step in and not just talk about it but produce, find receivers, have a blitzing linebacker or end coming right at him and still focus downfield and make a throw.”

-Singletary said Smith’s two best throws were on a fourth-and-one pass to Vernon Davis for a 30-yard gain and an incomplete pass to Michael Crabtree in the back of the end zone. “He made some really nice throws yesterday. The one throw to Vernon on the fourth-and-one was outstanding. He didn’t even break stride. Of course, the possible touchdown to Crabtree, that was an outstanding throw. So, he’s really doing some things that are very nice to see.”

-Singletary was asked again about his philosophy in using a spread attack, to which he replied, “I just feel like going forward, it’s just a matter of continuing to look at our offense and look at what helps us win. I think there are a lot of philosophies out there. I’m hearing a lot about, well, the philosophy should be to throw the ball more. Sometimes, it’s run the ball. The only thing I can say is this: My overall philosophy is to win.

“I think that’s the thing that I’ve said from the very beginning. I want to win. I think it’s one thing when you look at this is what I’d like to do, but I think you have to look at what you have and go with that, make the most of it, and be excited about having it. To me, that’s what I am. I talked many times about when we run the ball, I want to run the ball. I don’t want to tip-toe. I don’t want do any of those things. I want to hit people. I want to go forward and I want to run the ball. When we pass the ball, I want to do the same thing. I want to see our receivers going downfield and adding on, hitting somebody. Don’t just look at the guy. Run with the ball. Go hit somebody. To me, that’s what it’s all about. That’s football. So, that’s not going to change.”

-Singletary complimented the play of offensive line which gave up zero sacks against the Jaguars. In particular, he singled out the right side with guard Chilo Rachal and tackle Adam Snyder and left tackle Barry Sims.

-Lastly, Singletary said that starting left tackle Joe Staley will begin running and weight lifting this week. Singletary is hopeful that Staley will return for the 49ers home game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football in two weeks. As for the status of cornerback Nate Clements, Singletary hopes to have the veteran defensive back healthy be the season finale at St. Louis.

Coach Singletary had a pretty direct answer in responding to a question regarding the play of Barry Sims.

“Outstanding. It’s a pleasant surprise,” the 49ers head coach said of the 11-year veteran who has filled in nicely at left tackle for injured tackle Joe Staley. “I think he’s done a great job. I’m really excited about what he has been able to bring to that position. I think he’s done a phenomenal job.”

Outstanding, check. Great, check. Phenomenal, you can check that too.

Definitely some high praise for Sims, who has given up just a half sack in two starts this season. Sims practically had three starts, considering that Staley was injured on the first play of the game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Sims’ experience (129 starts in 159 games) has been a big plus in helping the 49ers offense the past couple of weeks.

Upon learning that his coach had called Sims’ play ‘outstanding,’ quarterback Alex Smith agreed with his coach’s opinion.

 “I think just that, he stepped right in and hasn’t missed a beat. He has played really well,” Smith said of his fellow University of Utah alum. “That’s hard to do, come in and play left tackle in this league where you are getting matched up every week against big-time pass rushers; the way he’s played has been great. I don’t think twice back there, I trust those guys up front.”

The rest of the 49ers offensive linemen also have a lot of trust in Sims.

“He’s a salty vet, so he knows what it takes to be successful,” said left guard David Baas, the man who lines up directly next to Sims on the line. “That’s what we expected out of him and we’re glad he’s doing well. We trust each other a lot out there, so that’s a good thing.”

Teammates like tight end Delanie Walker said Sims’ experience is exactly what the 49ers offense needed when Staley went down.

“He’s been doing a great job of executing his assignments and he’s been communicating well with the tight ends on certain blocks that we have to accomplish,” Walker said. “He’s been doing a great job. He’s been a leader for us.”

Walker said one of his favorite things about playing with Sims is how the 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman enjoys what he’s doing on the field.

“He’s the same guy; he doesn’t change on or off the field. I think that’s what makes him a great person,” Walker said. “He goes out there and does what he has to do. I like to see how he acts, I’ve seen him on the field smiling after a big play and I think when other players see that – it puts a smile on your face.”

Losing a player like Staley might have damaged the mindset of some teams, but the 49ers felt confident in Sims, knowing they had a player who has experienced practically everything a player could experience in the NFL.

“It’s tough replacing Joe, because Joe is a great tackle and a big part of this offense,” Walker said. “But I think Barry stepped in and has done a great job. We know he could do it because he had been doing it for a long time. Nobody doubted him, we knew he was going to step in and take care of the big shoes he had to fill.”

More Tuesday Notes:

-Singletary announced on Tuesday that rookie running back Glen Coffee will return this week after missing the Bears game with a concussion. Defensive tackle Demetric Evans will also return to action against Green Bay after missing the last few weeks with a shoulder injury.

-Other injury news: Takeo Spikes is still day-to-day with a hamstring injury. If unable to play, linebacker Matt Wilhelm will step in as Spikes’ replacement. Only Staley (knee) and cornerback Nate Clements (shoulder) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game.

-Singletary said that veteran wide receiver Isaac Bruce would return to action this Sunday after missing the Bears game (ankle), but would be behind Josh Morgan, who will start opposite of Michael Crabtree against the Packers. The 49ers head coach was non-committal in naming Bruce as his No. 3 receiver, citing that the coaching staff would have to determine the usage of receivers based on the personnel package.

-Asked if having the weekend off was a good thing for his players, Singletary answered: “I think any time you have an extra day or two for guys to get their legs back underneath them, some of the pounding that they’ve taken, to heal and use it wisely, I think it can do nothing but help us.”