by By Daniel Brown Mercurynews.com , Contra Costa Times

The Titans tailback is coming off a franchise-record 228 rushing yards, including touchdown runs of 52 and 89 yards.

By now, the 49ers are accustomed to the challenge. They have faced three of the NFL's top 10 rushers this season.

Next up: No. 1.

Johnson averages 6.92 yards per carry, the highest total by an NFL rushing leader through Week 8 since 1970.

"He's a great running back," 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown said. "He's got speed. He's a strong guy.

"You look at the film, and it's not one guy bringing him down. We have to gang tackle him as a collective group and rally to the ball."

Stopping the run is the 49ers' strength. They rank second in the NFL by allowing 84.9 yards per game. (The defending Super Bowl champion Steelers are first at 76.6).

The 49ers lead the league in holding opponents to 3.24 yards per carry.

Coach Mike Singletary narrowed his choice of punt returners to two players: Arnaz Battle and Brandon Jones are in the mix against the Titans. Singletary called his decision "a day-to-day thing."

Linebacker Ahmad Brooks, limited to special-teams duty against the Colts, will have an expanded role against Tennessee. Brooks will be on the field for third-down situations.

The 49ers signed tackle Kirk Barton to the practice squad. Barton, listed at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, was released by the Lions during training camp.

The former Ohio State lineman was a seventh-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2008. The 49ers need depth after injuries to Tony Pashos (shoulder) and Joe Staley (knee) in consecutive weeks.

Newly signed offensive lineman Chris Patrick and defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois are in line to be on the active roster Sunday. Patrick, signed off the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, will serve as the backup to both tackle spots. Jean-Francois, a seventh-round pick from Louisiana State, will be on the active roster for the first time this season.

Safety Reggie Smith (groin) practiced on a limited basis and might be ready to return Sunday.

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