SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - The San Francisco 49ers put Kevan Barlow on injured reserve Wednesday, but coach Mike Nolan thinks the running back has a bright future with the club.

Barlow has missed three of the last four games with a lingering knee injury, and the joint swelled up again this week. The 49ers made the move so they could sign cornerback Kris Richard for Sunday's game against Houston.

Barlow was held out of last Saturday's victory at St. Louis, where Maurice Hicks and rookie Frank Gore combined for 177 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Barlow finished the season with 581 yards rushing - averaging just 3.3 yards per carry - and three touchdowns, somewhat disappointing numbers for a running back whose job security was in jeopardy when the 49ers were serious contenders for the top overall draft pick, expected to be USC running back Reggie Bush.

But Nolan has been pleased with Barlow, describing the sometimes controversial running back as ``a model citizen.'' The coach also sees no reason Barlow won't be back with the club next season.

``He certainly looked better to me than he did a year ago,'' Nolan said. ``I thought in the way he handled himself, carried himself and responded to all situations, he did a good job. I anticipated more issues, and I never got any.

``Kevan is not a problem child. He just needs structure around him, as a lot of people do. I think Bish (running backs coach Bishop Harris) has been a great match for him. He wanted some direction, some guidance. He needs a parent to coach him. He doesn't need a pal. I think that's why he's responded so well.''

Richard was a backup in Seattle for three seasons before getting traded to Miami in training camp. The Dolphins cut him before the regular season began, but the 49ers (3-12) needed immediate help in the defensive secondary.

Five cornerbacks - starters Shawntae Spencer (quad) and Bruce Thornton (knee), along with rookie Derrick Johnson (stinger), B.J. Tucker (finger) and benched veteran Ahmed Plummer (ankle) - might be unavailable or limited because of injuries.

Spencer and Tucker are expected to start at cornerback, with Tucker making his first NFL start. Plummer is thought to be essentially healthy, but is deep in Nolan's doghouse after a slow recovery from ankle surgery.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.