HOUSTON – Cornerback Shawntae Spencer on Sunday made a strong argument that he, not Nate Clements, is the top coverage man on the 49ers' defense.
For most of the game, Spencer lined up across from Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson, who entered the game ranked second in the league in receiving yards. Johnson caught two passes in the Texans' 24-21 victory, one in zone coverage and the other – a 44-yarder in the fourth quarter – with Spencer draped all over him.
Spencer said he nearly broke up the pass.
"I had my hand on it. I thought I got it out," Spencer said.
Johnson caught the pass, which led to a 50-yard field goal by Kris Brown that extended Houston's lead to 24-14. Johnson left the game two plays later with a chest contusion and was taken to a hospital. Spencer said he thought Johnson fell on the point of the football on his long reception and damaged his ribs.
Spencer took the blame for another big play, tight end Owen Daniels' 42-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. Spencer said the 49ers were in Cover 3 protection and he lost track of Daniels, who was alone when he made the catch.
Daniels led all receivers with 123 yards.
Flubbed punt – A lackluster return game cost veteran Allen Rossum his job with the 49ers two weeks ago. His replacement on punt returns, Arnaz Battle, had a costly fumble deep in San Francisco territory that led to a quick Texans touchdown.
Battle said he squared to the ball at his 15-yard line when it suddenly changed course.
"I felt like I was focused on it. I felt like I was in a great position," Battle said. "When it came down, it shifted on me and there was a defender right there on me."
When it was suggested to coach Mike Singletary that perhaps the 49ers waived Rossum prematurely, Singletary quickly cut off the question.
"Allen had some issues, too, OK?" he said. "It's not like he was catching everything clean. They both have issues. We just have to find a way to get that settled, and that's something we have to settle in a hurry because that makes no sense at all."
Pashos is injured – Just when the 49ers settled on a right tackle, he was injured. Tony Pashos, who rotated with Adam Snyder early in the season, injured his left shoulder in the second quarter and didn't return.
Singletary said Pashos would have an MRI this week.
Barry Sims filled in at right tackle and had a solid game.
The situation at right guard, however, wasn't as good. With starter Chilo Rachal struggling recently, Singletary decided to begin rotating Snyder there, too. Rachal continued to struggle when he was in, allowing one sack and being called for a false start.
"We have to have better offensive line play," Singletary said.
Other injuries – Starting linebacker Takeo Spikes injured his right shoulder. Spikes returned briefly in the first half, but rookie Scott McKillop (three solo tackles) played the second half.
Linebacker Marques Harris aggravated a strained hamstring. Injuries to nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin (knee) and Justin Smith (calf) weren't as serious.
Read Matthew Barrows' archives and blogs at www.sacbee.com/sf49ers.
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