DBs will have hands full against Johnson

SANTA CLARA — If the 49ers' defensive backfield thought it was rough two weeks ago facing Atlanta's Roddy White, things do not get much easier on Sunday against the Houston Texans.

In fact, the challenge is even more difficult against the wide receiver many consider the best in the NFL.

Andre Johnson's only discernible weakness is that he thrives in relative obscurity with the Houston Texans, a franchise that has not produced a winning season in its first seven years of existence.

Johnson, a three-time Pro Bowl performer, and Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald were consensus All-Pro receivers a year ago. Johnson caught 115 passes for 1,575 yards and eight touchdowns.

Cornerback Nate Clements knows all about Fitzgerald. He matches up primarily on Fitzgerald twice a season when the 49ers play their NFC West rivals. Johnson is 6-foot-3, 223 pounds, while Fitzgerald is listed at 6-3, 217.

But that's where the comparisons end, Clements said.

“They both play to their strengths,” Clements said. “Larry Fitz has excellent hands, likes to isolate you for the jump ball. He has great hand-eye coordination. Andre Johnson can flat-out run. He has good hands as well. I think he's a very good route-runner.”

Clements has played well this season, but he did not have a good game two weeks ago. Clements surrendered a 90-yard touchdown to White when he missed a tackle after a short pass. White finished with 210 yards receiving on the day.

“Nate is trying to make a play just like every player out there,” 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky said. “He was in good position, I thought. He just needed to swipe and ensure the tackle if he wasn't going to get the ball.”

Johnson, a seven-year pro, knows he will have a physical game against Clements, who is at his best in press coverage. They have faced each other twice before when Clements played for the Buffalo Bills. Johnson had 118 yards receiving against the Bills as a rookie, but was held to just 18 yards on three catches in 2005.

“From looking at him on film, you can tell he's very talented,” Johnson said. “Against Roddy White, he played physical against him. I've played against him twice since I've been in NFL; that's the biggest thing I noticed against him.”

LEWIS OUT

Safety Michael Lewis has been officially ruled out after sustaining his third concussion since mid-August. “It's a matter of continuing to talk to the doctors and talk to the trainers and making a decision of what's best for him,” 49ers coach Mike Singletary said.

Mark Roman will get his first start of the season. Also, reserve safety Reggie Smith will miss his third game with a severe groin strain. Rookie Curtis Taylor will be the first safety off the sideline for the 49ers.

EXTRA POINTS

Nate Davis, the 49ers' No. 3 quarterback, did not make the trip to Houston on Friday because of an illness. He missed practices Thursday and Friday. Davis does not have swine flu, a team spokesman said.

Singletary said he considers three receivers on the 49ers as starters: Isaac Bruce, Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree. He said those players will likely see equal playing time Sunday. He expects Crabtree to be a factor in his first NFL game. “Do I expect him (Crabtree) to make plays? Absolutely,” Singletary said. “That's why he's playing.”

Delanie Walker will continue to handle the kickoff-return duties, while Arnaz Battle will return punts, Singletary said.

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.