Michael Robinson News

Vernon Davis insisted today that he wasn't trying to insult the Chicago Bears defense.

The 49ers and Bears did not hold formal practices today, but due to the truncated schedule, they have provided an injury report based on what would likely have happened if there had been practice.

The 49ers wasted a fresh approach that gained 358 yards, 25 first downs and nearly 34 minutes in time of possession by committing four turnovers.

Nothing symbolized the 49ers' postgame injury report better than Frank Gore's eye.

Mike Singletary seemed to be in a fighting mood during his post-game presser today.

The 49ers had an earlier-than-normal Friday practice today because they are flying off to the eastern time zone later this afternoon.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers are thinking playoffs despite suffering their third consecutive defeat and falling below .500 for the first time this season.

On a 3rd-and-13 late in the first half, Alex Smith took the snap as the play clock neared zero and threw to rookie Michael Crabtree, whose voracious hands swallowed the ball just before the Colts' Jacob Lacey knocked him out of bounds.

After losing their first game of a five-game stretch, the 49ers face their toughest opponent of the season as they hit the road to face the Indianapolis Colts.

* Records: 49ers 3-3; Indianapolis 6-0. * TV: Ch. 40; Sam Rosen , Tim Ryan , Laura Okmin .

Whether linebacker Takeo Spikes takes the field against the Indianapolis Colts will be a game-time decision, coach Mike Singletary said after practice Friday.

Recently, the link between football, head injuries and lifelong brain damage has been a hot topic in the media and in NFL circles.

It took the desperation of falling behind 21-0 for the 49ers to get going once coach Mike Singletary made the switch to Alex Smith in the second half.

Another solid, solid effort by the rook ... 1st and 10: Gore runs for three ... 2nd and 7: Smith pass tipped at line ... 3rd and 7: Niners flub snap but call t.o. before fumble ... 3rd and 7: Smith finds Morgan open over the middle for a big, 17-yard gain ... 1st and 10 from 14: Smith fires pass to wide-open Davis for 14-yard TD ... HOU 21, 49ers ...

The San Francisco 49ers will have a tough assignment this week in containing the Houston Texans offense.

"Me and Crabtree are going to get it done," Gore said Tuesday. The 49ers hope to have Gore and the newly signed Crabtree back when their season resumes Oct.

As has been pointed out in a FanShot and in comments earlier , Mike Singletary announced during his press conference that Allen Rossum was given his release.

Return man Allen Rossum, who was a healthy scratch last week, again is inactive.

They, more than anyone, realize that though they play a game, it's nevertheless still a business.

The 49ers enter tomorrow's home game with the Rams as rather overwhelming favorites.