After being released earlier in the week, quarterback Nate Davis passed through waivers Wednesday and was placed on the practice squad. To make room, another quarterback, rookie Jarrett Brown, was cut from the practice squad.

Singletary had been disappointed with Davis' work ethic and preparation. He had wanted Davis to push David Carr in the offseason to be Alex Smith's primary backup, but that competition never occurred.

Singletary instead signed former Ravens quarterback Troy Smith to the active roster to fill that role. Troy Smith only has started two games in Baltimore, but he comes to San Francisco with a reputation as a hard worker and is a student of the game.

PLAYER NOTES

--Both WR Ted Ginn and CB Phillip Adams practiced punt returns on Wednesday. Coach Mike Singletary has not said who will have that duty on Sunday.

--OLB Diyral Briggs was limited in practice after suffering a concussion.

--CB Will James (ankle) did not practice but has not been ruled out of Sunday's game yet.

--RB Brian Westbrook (hamstring) practiced and should play against the Seahawks.

--WR Michael Crabtree did not play in any preseason games with a stiff neck but is a full go for Sunday.

GAME PLAN
Last year when the 49ers visited Seattle, Frank Gore only carried the ball nine times in a 20-17 loss. That won't happen this year. The 49ers will stick to what they feel they do best -- running the ball between the tackles to take advantage of a rebuilt Seahawks defensive line. The 49ers feel they must minimize mistakes, especially when it comes to their two rookie offensive linemen. They'll hand off to Gore often in the first half and try to reduce any third-and-long situations.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH
49ers OLB Travis LaBoy vs. Seahawks LT -- LaBoy sat out the 2009 season after having foot surgery, but he was a monster during the preseason this year against Vikings starting left tackle Bryant McKinnie and Raiders starter Mario Henderson. He'll be the team's third-down rusher with Ahmad Brooks still recovering from a lacerated kidney. On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks still haven't replaced the retired Walter Jones. First-round pick Russell Okung is out with a high-ankle sprain. That leaves either Tyler Polumbus, who was acquired in a trade with Detroit last week, or veteran Chester Pitts, who is coming back from microfracture surgery, to protect Matt Hasselbeck's blind side.

49ers CB Nate Clements vs. Seahawks WR Mike Williams -- The former USC receiver has had a rebirth under his old coach, Pete Carroll. Williams arrived in Seattle in the best shape he's been in since he was a Trojan, and Carroll has raved about his commitment. Williams' play this summer helped prompt the team to part ways with T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Clements, meanwhile, is out to prove himself after an off year in 2009. He can be beaten deep by fleet-footed receivers, but is particularly good in tight spaces against bigger bodied players like Williams.

INJURY IMPACT
PR Kyle Williams (toe) is running again after spraining his big toe Aug. 15, but he won't play Sunday. The 49ers want Ted Ginn to concentrate on kickoff returns, which likely means that seventh-round pick Phillip Adams will return punts. Adams has been solid in preseason games, but he certainly isn't experienced at the job. A botched punt in Seattle last year cost the 49ers the game.

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