Nolan strikes out on replay challenges

SAN FRANCISCO — Niners coach Mike Nolan was 0-for-3 on replay challenges Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

When the 49ers should have challenged, they did not. Among Nolan’s challenges that failed Sunday was a review of David Akers’ 38-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter that gave Philadelphia a lead it would never relinquish.

The 49ers played the final 4:20 without any timeouts in their 40-26 loss to the Eagles, in part because of the failed challenge.

Because Akers’ kick sailed above the upright, there was no video evidence that could have overturned the call. Nolan might have challenged a call that was not challengeable.

“I asked him (referee Ron Winter), ‘Is it challengeable?’ And he said, ‘It really doesn’t matter now that you threw the red flag’” Nolan said. “They have to correct that. There’s got to be some kind of signal that says it’s not only good but it’s not challengeable or it is.”

On the second drive of the game, the 49ers could have used a replay challenge of Hank Baskett’s 16-yard reception on a third-and-2 from the 49ers’ 29. Despite the ruling of a completed pass, the ball clearly popped out of Baskett’s grasp. Nolan said he was not made aware that the ball was not caught until it was too late.

Four plays later, the Eagles scored the first touchdown of the game to take a 7-3 lead.

The 49ers also lost a challenge in the second quarter when Eagles rookie receiver DeSean Jackson got both feet inbounds on a 27-yard pass to the 49ers’ 6.

Linebacker Patrick Willis wore the radio transmitter for the first time this season to relay play calls from the sideline to his defensive teammates in the huddle. Up until Sunday’s game, safety Mark Roman held that responsibility.

It’s a sign that Willis is taking more responsibility as a team leader. Nolan said he was reluctant earlier in the season to have the radio in Willis’ helmet because of the possible distraction it might cause.

“I liked it,” Willis said. “I had a good week of practice, and felt comfortable doing it.”

Willis made a team-high eight tackles, but missed an opportunity in the fourth quarter to get an interception deep in 49ers’ territory. He couldn’t hold onto Donovan’s McNabb’s pass for Baskett. Two plays later, the Eagles kicked the go-ahead field goal.

Receiver Bryant Johnson saw limited action because of assorted hamstring and groin problems, he said. Rookie Josh Morgan played nearly the entire game at split end. Johnson did not practice Friday because of his injuries, he said. Johnson did not appear on the team’s injury report.

Fullback Zak Keasey sustained an injured right arm. An X-ray proved negative, but Keasey is scheduled to undergo an MRI examination. He sustained the injury in the first half but did not return to action.

Kicker Joe Nedney sustained a left shoulder sprain while trying to make a tackle on a first-half kickoff. He remained in the game.

Tight end Vernon Davis required about five stitches to close a cut on his left forearm.

Allen Rossum got the first offensive start of his NFL career, when he lined up at receiver on the first play of the game. Rossum also caught his first NFL pass — a 4-yarder. Rossum had nine previous NFL starts, all at cornerback.

Davis, who came into the game with five receptions on the season, caught six passes for a team-high 75 yards. His 57-yard reception in the third quarter was the longest play of his NFL career.

Running back Michael Robinson saw his most action of the season. He carried once for 5 yards, and caught one pass for 12 yards.

Niners inactives were: quarterback Jamie Martin (third QB), cornerback Reggie Smith, cornerback Shawntae Spencer, linebacker Roderick Green, linebacker Ahmad Brooks, center Cody Wallace, tackle Jonas Jennings and linebacker Manny Lawson.

For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@press

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