49ers Notebook: WR Michael Crabtree tallying his wins against CB Carlos Rogers

When it comes to practicing against 49ers Pro Bowl CB Carlos Rogers, WR Michael Crabtree is a winner.

Just ask him.

“I’ve been in competition with Carlos since I started camp," Crabtree said. "I’ve got a little tab on my locker of how many days I won, how many he lost. So I’m keeping tabs. I’m winning right now. I’ll try to keep it like that.”

How does that work?

“Every day. It’s on the board. I write it down before I go out, so I say I won already," Crabtree said. "It’s all fun and games.”

While Crabtree was half joking, OC Greg Roman didn't mince words when talking about Crabtree.

"I think he’s much healthier this year," Roman said. "He certainly appears to be a lot quicker and faster. Another year under his belt from an experience standpoint is very important.”

Person working at T: Due to Alex Boone's shift from T to G, Mike Person has been asked to make the opposite switch. He's still working some at G, but is learning to play on the outside as well.

"He’s a young guy that had his first offseason of physical development, which is so important for a lineman especially," Roman said. "He’s coming along well, and I expect really good things from Mike the rest of this preseason."

Six players miss practice: TE Delanie Walker (knee), LB Ahmad Brooks (unknown), LB Aldon Smith (hip), TE Nate Byham (unknown), LB Cam Johnson) and CB Perrish Cox (unknown) missed Wednesday's practice.

Sopoaga returns: After missing the previous two practices, NT Isaac Sopoaga practiced Wednesday and did so with several family members, including his kids, in attendance.

Ben Who-Nula? WR Ben Hannula turned in the standout performance of the day. During a live tackling drill, he caught a pass and broke a tackle from CB Deante' Purvis then broke at least two more before being brought down. Hannula was rewarded with a carry as a RB and made at least two more catches during 11-on-11 drills.

Purvis struggles: Bay Area product CB Deante' Purvis has struggled with man coverage throughout training camp and that continued Wednesay. Purvis is frequently picked on in 11-on-11 drills and was called for pass interference while trying to cover Ted Ginn Jr.

Owusu on the rise: WR Chris Owusu was quiet early in camp but has elevated his play over the past week. It started with team highs in catches (three) and yards (35) during the team's first preseason game on Friday and carried over into practice. His most notable play Wednesday was a corner route he used to beat S Dashon Goldson and CB Tarell Brown.

LB Alama-Francis signs: The team signed LB Ikaika Alama-Francis to a one-year contract, it announced Wednesday. The Hawaii product was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft by Detroit, where he spent two seasons before being cut at the end of training camp in 2009. He signed with Miami late in 2009 and was with the Dolphins until the team cut him in March. He spent Wednesday's practice as an observer from the sideline.

TE Robinson waived after three days: The team waived TE Gijon Robinson Wednesday to make room for Alama-Francis. Robinson signed on Sunday.

Follow 49ers reporter Kyle Bonagura on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLSF and @KyleBonagura.
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