Brooks finally getting chance to compete

SANTA CLARA — Linebacker Ahmad Brooks spent all but one game on the 49ers’ 53-man roster last season, and he never stepped on the playing field.

“That’s probably not a bad thing,” Brooks said. “I had groin surgery in my second year (2007), and I don’t know if I could’ve been a factor in a game.”

Brooks was inactive for 14 games after the 49ers claimed him off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals. He suited up for one game, but did not play.

Coach Mike Singletary regularly expressed his desire last season to see what Brooks could do. Brooks is finally getting his chance this summer.

He has spent the past four days working with the first-team defense after outside linebacker Parys Haralson was sidelined with a right hip flexor strain.

“We feel he is a guy who is going to continue to grow and make plays,” Singletary said of Brooks. “He is out there all over the place making plays. So it is very exciting.”

Said Brooks, “Thankfully, he sees something in me. Now, it’s up to me to perform.”

Singletary has given Brooks a lot of attention. When Brooks showed up for the 49ers’ offseason program out of shape, Singletary prescribed extra running.

“During a practice, I twisted my ankle and took off five, six or seven plays,” Brooks said. “I think he thought I was faking it. So he’s challenging me on the mental side. I know I have to continue to work.”

Brooks broke into the NFL as the Bengals’ third-round pick in the 2006 supplemental draft. The 49ers were prepared to use a subsequent pick on him.

He started five games as a rookie and made 47 tackles before a groin injury limited his play in the second half of the season. The following year, the condition kept him out of 14 games. The Bengals parted ways with Brooks prior to his third NFL season.

Throughout most of Brooks’ career, he played inside linebacker. That’s where he played when he first came to the 49ers, too.

“You don’t see many inside linebackers who are big like me,” said Brooks, a 265-pounder. “Brian Urlacher might be about the only one. Most guys my size are outside linebackers or defensive ends.”

Brooks was moved to outside linebacker midway through last season, and that is where it appears he has found his home — for however long it might last — with the 49ers. He moves to defensive end to rush the passer on third downs.

Haralson led the 49ers in sacks last season with eight. Brooks is not in the mix to compete for a starting job, but he said he has already benefited greatly from his elevation to the first team during training camp.

“Just playing with the ones, it gives you a good feel of what it’s going to be like in a game,” Brooks said. “That’s nothing against the twos and threes, but for the most part, those are guys who are just coming along.”.

LINEMEN INJURED

Starting left guard David Baas sustained what the club described as a “foot strain” while taking part in Singletary’s “nutcracker” drill, in which two players square off head-to-head and try to drive forward.

Also, defensive end Kentwan Balmer sustained a left knee sprain during a run drill. He said he would be “all right” after initially fearing the injury had the potential of being severe.

The 49ers did not provide a recovery timetable for the injuries.

EXTRA POINTS

Receiver Michael Crabtree, the 49ers’ first-round draft pick, has missed seven practices. His contract impasse has reached eight days. Crabtree is living in the Bay Area, eager to report to camp, said a source. However, the 49ers and Crabtree’s agent, Eugene Parker, are nowhere near agreement.

Backs Michael Robinson (groin) and Moran Norris (hamstring) missed practice time. Jay Moore (cut finger), Parys Haralson (hip flexor) and Tarell Brown (toe) sat out another day of practices.

Veteran receiver Isaac Bruce caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith against the team’s No. 1 defense.

Chilo Rachal left the afternoon practice early with what the team described as a headache.

For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco via e-mail at matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com