by John Crumpacker, Chronicle Staff Writer , The San Francisco Chronicle

"Consistency is what we're lacking," he said Wednesday. "In the few times we've put ourselves in bad situations, 3rd-and-longs resulted in not moving the chains. I don't care who you play in the NFL, in that many 3rd-and-longs, it's hard to convert. I think that's the thing we are lacking."

The raw numbers back up Smith. At Indianapolis, the 49ers converted two of 10 opportunities on third down - meaning punter Andy Lee was a busy man. For the season, the 49ers are 30th in the league in converting third downs, making only 26 of 92 attempts or 28 percent. The league average is 38 percent.

Only Kansas City 21 percent, Cleveland 25 percent and Buffalo 26 percent have been worse on third down.

Nice endorsement: Coach Mike Singletary almost apologized for not getting outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks more playing time in Sunday's loss at Indianapolis. He might have helped the pass rush on Peyton Manning considering Brooks had a sack at Houston the previous Sunday in limited time on the field.

"He's earned the right to play more," the coach said. "You will see more of him."

Briefly: To bolster the secondary, the 49ers signed cornerback Keith Smith and released wide receiver Micheal Spurlock . Smith is a six-year veteran released by the Lions in September. He has played in 71 games with five starts and has four interceptions. ... Tackle Kirk Barton was signed to the practice squad. He was inactive for two games with the 49ers in 2008. ... Defensive end Justin Smith rest and linebacker Takeo Spikes shoulder did not practice Wednesday. ... Singletary said there's a chance safety Reggie Smith will be active Sunday after missing the last four games with a groin injury. Rookie defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois will be active for the first time Sunday. ... Singletary said Arnaz Battle and Brandon Jones will continue as the punt returners. Battle might get the call on Sunday given Jones' decision to field a punt on the 3-yard line in Indy.

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