Jackson didn't appear injured after last Sunday's game, but reported his quadriceps injury late Monday.

Lelie, a former Hawaii standout, might be the best hope left for the 49ers' mediocre receiving corps, which has struggled to get open while dropping plenty of passes.

Jackson, Arnaz Battle and Bryan Gilmore have been roundly unimpressive, while Lelie has lived up to his reputation as a fast, capable deep threat.

So why hadn't Lelie been able to get on the field regularly before last weekend, when his first catch for the 49ers was that 47-yard grab? The free-agent signee believes his offseason injury problems and a slow start in practice hid his talents from the 49ers' coaches.

"That's not my call," said Lelie, who finished with two catches for 52 yards. "I can't really talk about why this, why that. I just have to go out and keep playing. ... Hopefully when I get my opportunity again, I just make some plays when I'm called on."