On Monday night, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said wide receiver Braylon Edwards was inactive against the Steelers because he felt Michael Crabtree, Ted Ginn Jr. and Kyle Williams gave San Francisco "the best chance."

On Tuesday, Harbaugh was asked more specifically about the decision to keep Edwards sidelined. The decision, he said, was based on "the practices and the games."

It wasn't a ringing endorsement of Edwards, who has 14 catches in eight games in what's been a disappointing, injury-filled season.

But Edwards could return to the active roster for the 49ers' visit to Seattle on Saturday with Ginn hobbled by an ankle injury he sustained on the second-half kickoff against Pittsburgh. Harbaugh didn't update Ginn's status, but seemed to indicate San Francisco might be without his services.

"We'll see with Ted," Harbaugh said. "Braylon should be ready to go and look for a good week of practice there."

Smith in 2011: With players' and coaches' Pro Bowl ballots due by Thursday night, Harbaugh made a pitch for Alex Smith to join Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and New Orleans' Drew Brees as the NFC's quarterbacks.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll didn't think Harbaugh's campaign was unreasonable.

"He's done a marvelous job of taking care of the football, and he's playing championship football," Carroll told the Associated Press. "I really think he's doing great, and if he can get in the Pro Bowl, great. There's a lot of guys out there that have thrown for a million yards that everybody gets enamored with. But, to me, it's all about doing things that help you win and play great football. And Alex is doing just that."

Willis' status: Linebacker Patrick Willis did not rule out the possibility of playing against Seattle. Willis has missed the past two games with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

"I'm certainly hoping so," Willis said of playing Saturday. "... I most certainly hope to get back soon."