NFL | Mike Martz discusses final-play chaos

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Mike Martz, offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, revealed why he called a running play for the fullback on the final play of Monday night's game: He mistakenly thought the play would begin half a yard from the goal line.

"We did not know the ball was going to be on the 3 ½, obviously, or we would have never called that play," Martz said of the hectic and confusing final seconds of the 49ers' 29-24 loss to the host Arizona Cardinals.

That confusion apparently lasted into Tuesday. The final play, on which Michael Robinson was held to a 1-yard gain, began about 2-½ yards from the goal line, not the 3-½ yards Martz mentioned.

Martz went to bed Monday thinking the play had been from a shorter distance. The person who clarified for him what transpired was former coach Mike Nolan, who was fired by the 49ers last month. Martz said Nolan called him Tuesday morning.

Nolan explained to Martz how the 49ers lost yardage when officials reviewed Frank Gore's second-down run. They marked Gore down about 1-½ yards from the goal line. The play was reviewed to see whether Gore crossed the goal line before being touched down by an Arizona defender. If the play wasn't a Gore TD, the 49ers figured, they would at least have the ball somewhere inside the 1. At that point, the play was radioed in for Robinson.

But when officials reviewed the play, they determined Gore was touched down about 2-½ yards from the goal line and moved the ball accordingly.

"We got screwed because of the spot, first and foremost," Martz told CBSSports.com.

Notes

• Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker, recovering from a shoulder injury, is to return to practice today and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he is optimistic Parker will play Sunday against San Diego.

• Quarterback Tom Brady was back with New England teammates in the training room, rehabilitating the injured left knee that ended his season in the Patriots' first game.

• Ty Law, a five-time Pro Bowl cornerback, passed his physical and practiced with the New York Jets after signing a one-year deal to rejoin the team he played for three seasons ago. Law, 34, spent the last two seasons with Kansas City. He could play Thursday against New England, where he spent his first 10 pro seasons.

• The league has rescinded a $20,000 fine levied against New England receiver Randy Moss for comments after a Nov. 2 loss to Indianapolis that included saying there were "some real iffy calls out there."

• Denver, hampered by injuries at running back, brought back ex-Bronco Tatum Bell, who was cut by Detroit before the season.