49ers notes: Injury clouds Clements' status

<p>INDIANAPOLIS — Cornerback Nate Clements, the 49ers’ highest-paid defender, was demoted from the starting lineup Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.</p><p>Now, his status for the remainder of the season is in doubt after he sustained a broken shoulder blade in the second quarter of the 49ers’ 18-14 loss at Lucas Oil Stadium.</p><p>Clements began the game as the 49ers’ primary return man on punts. His injury likely came when he was hit hard by Jerraud Powers and Philip Wheeler on a second-quarter punt return.</p><p>Clements’ future with the 49ers is murky. He has a scheduled base salary of $6 million in 2010. If the 49ers determine he is making too much money for the value he brings to the team, Clements could be released or asked to take a pay cut next year.</p><p>Third-year player Tarell Brown was promoted to the starting lineup in place of Clements for Sunday’s game against the pass-happy Colts.</p><p>“The biggest thing was we were going on basic matchups,” Singletary said. “That was the biggest thing. We thought the matchups were good the way we had them and we wanted to do that.”</p><p>The 49ers’ coaching staff has been disappointed that Clements did not always play the defense that was called. Still, Clements’ demotion was not considered to be a move for the rest of the season.</p><p>Depending on the severity of his broken shoulder blade, the 49ers might have no other choice than to start Brown for the remainder of the season.</p><p>Offensive tackle Tony Pashos was placed on injured reserve last week after sustaining a broken shoulder blade in the 49ers’ game against the Houston Texans. Receiver Brandon Jones missed six weeks with the same injury, which he sustained early in training camp.</p><p>EXCESSIVE CELEBRATION</p><p>Receiver Josh Morgan did not find out until after the game that he was the player flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct while celebrating Vernon Davis’ touchdown in the second quarter. Morgan was penalized because he dropped to a knee while pretending to snap photos of Davis.</p><p>“I don’t think it was excessive,” Morgan said. “We were celebrating. Every touchdown he’s scored you can see me right there with him, celebrating.”</p><p>“I did not see the guys do anything outlandish,” Singletary said. “I do not understand why they would call that.”</p><p>The penalty proved costly. Joe Nedney kicked off from the 15-yard line, and the Colts moved 48 yards on four plays to score on Matt Stover’s 31-yard field goal with :01 remaining in the half.</p><p>EXTRA POINTS</p><p>Running back Frank Gore became the first NFL player to rush for three touchdowns of more than 60 yards in one season since 2003 when Ahman Green and Jamal Lewis accomplished the feat.</p><p>The last 49ers running back with three 60-plus-yard touchdown runs was Garrison Hearst in 1998.</p><p>One of the game’s big sequences came early in the fourth quarter. The 49ers, trailing by four points, had a third-and-7 from the Indianapolis 30 — well within Nedney’s range. But the 49ers were called for delay of game, then Smith was sacked for an 8-yard loss. They were forced to punt.</p><p>Left tackle Joe Staley sustained a right knee sprain on the 49ers’ first offensive play of the game. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI today. The injury is not believed to be a season-ender. Also, defensive lineman Demetric Evans was on the injury report with a left shoulder sprain.</p><p>The 49ers actually attempted twice as many passes as runs on first downs. The 49ers rushed eight times for 23 yards on first-down plays. Meanwhile, Alex Smith completed 7 of 15 passes on first downs with an interception and two sacks.</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com</p>