Earlier in the season, defensive end Justin Smith said emphatically that teammate Aubrayo Franklin was the best nose tackle in the NFL.

Aubrayo Franklin was in the middle of one of his least favorite activities - talking about himself - when teammate Jeff Ulbrich interrupted.

He is the unknown soldier. If you know who Matt Wilhelm is, you're probably spending way too much time studying the 49ers.

HALF ASSESSMENT: The 49ers have to try the no-huddle in the second half, Alex Smith runs it so well and the increased tempo makes it hard for defenses to adjust.

Thrice-concussed safety Michael Lewis says he will have more neurological tests this week but that so far those tests have been good and that he plans to join his teammates in practice this week.

The green dot is moving on. Safety Dashon Goldson will now wear the helmet with the radio in it, and not just for Halloween.

Whether playing it back over a single weekend or an entire season, deja vu rules college football like the house rules Vegas.

Concussions already have cost one 49ers defender, Jeff Ulbrich, the season and will keep another out of Sunday's game in Houston.

He sustained his third concussion since Aug. 18 in the Atlanta game on Oct. 11. A concussion to linebacker Jeff Ulbrich compelled the 49ers to place the 10-year veteran on injured reserve, but Lewis' status is week-to-week. "I think it's a matter of continuing to talk to the doctors and trainers and what's really best for him," coach Mike ...

Ostler: Sad realization links football, brain damage Submitted by SHNS on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 13:06 Jeff Ulbrich, the San Francisco 49ers' fine linebacker, is suddenly retired after the latest of lord knows how many concussions over nine-plus NFL seasons.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Jeff Ulbrich won't play again this season because of a concussion.

A week and half of impressive practices apparently have offset a 10-week contract standoff for Michael Crabtree.

Veteran San Francisco linebacker Jeff Ulbrich won't play again this season because of a concussion.

The NFL is investigating Cleveland Browns rookie running back James Davis' mysterious season-ending shoulder injury.

Michael Lewis stood in front of his 49ers locker this week, saying he felt "great" despite suffering from his third concussion in two months.

While the rest of the 49ers scatter to their bye week destinations, Michael Crabtree will be hard at work making up for lost time.

Even after three concussions since Aug. 18, strong safety Michael Lewis plans on being back by Oct.

Two San Francisco 49ers defenders with concussions could be done for the season.

"We're continuing to evaluate ," coach Mike Singletary said. "We want to do all the tests we can, because it's all about them." Lewis picked up his third concussion since Aug.

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