Cornerback Spencer's season may be over

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers are concerned cornerback Shawntae Spencer might have sustained a season-ending knee injury in the fourth quarter of their game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Spencer has swelling in his left knee. Until the swelling goes down, there will not be a definitive diagnosis of his injury.

Based on preliminary tests, the club is fearful Spencer suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Such an injury would require season-ending surgery. Spencer has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.

“It doesn’t look good,” 49ers’ head coach Mike Nolan said. “I know I don’t have him this week.”

When asked if he knows if Spencer will be lost for the season, Nolan answered, “I haven’t been confirmed on anything, no.”

Spencer did not act this week like a player whose season is in jeopardy. On Thursday, Spencer said the subject of surgery had never been broached. He did not require the use of crutches, and said the team’s medical staff had told him that he was “day to day.”

Spencer was blocking Seattle linebacker Lance Laury on a kickoff return when his foot got caught in the turf and he fell backward. Spencer stayed down for several moments before receiving help off the field.

Spencer began the season as the 49ers’ No. 3 cornerback. He would be especially helpful Sunday against the Lions, a team that can roll out four solid receivers: Calvin Johnson, Roy Williams, Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald.

“I don’t like the fact that we’ve lost him for this game because they do some three- and four-receiver stuff,” Nolan said. “But we do have some other defensive backs. Tarell Brown is a guy that we like and has played, and Reggie Smith is a guy we drafted this year in the third round. He’s a good, young player.”

Moreover, the 49ers are not 100-percent certain they will have reserve cornerback Donald Strickland available, either. Strickland missed last week’s game with a medial-collateral sprain in his left knee. Strickland is listed as questionable, and Nolan said a decision on his availability will likely be made 90 minutes prior to the game.

A week ago, Strickland worked out before the game. It was determined he would not suit up.

“They evaluated me before the game, and based on that they determined I wasn’t up to par coming out of my breaks,” Strickland said.

Strickland took part in all the practices this week, and said he feels ready to play against the Lions.

BILL WALSH FIELD

Finally, there is evidence that the grass on the floor of Candlestick Park has a name: Bill Walsh Field.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced during a public memorial service last year for Walsh that the field would be named in honor of the three-time Super Bowl-winning coach. A plaque was installed in the 49ers’ tunnel that connects the team’s locker room to the field.

On Sunday, a modest sign in the south end zone will be unveiled. It reads, “Welcome to Bill Walsh Field.”

EXTRA POINTS

Takeo Spikes and Jeff Ulbrich will again share the playing time at the strong inside linebacker position, Nolan said. Against the Seahawks, Ulbrich started but Spikes saw most of the playing time. “The game plan’s different, so it might look different,” Nolan said. Linebacker Ahmad Brooks, claimed two weeks ago off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals, has been inactive for the first two games. He is not expected to suit up for Sunday’s game, either. “He’s coming along,” Nolan said. “He’s got to learn the defense. He missed, obviously, the entire training camp. He looks like he’s got instincts and all of that, but he’s got know the play when we call something.” For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at 49ers.pressdemocrat.com. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.