SAN FRANCISCO – No one was expecting anything sensational when Charles Haley was dusted off from retirement and signed this week to resuscitate the dormant 49ers pass rush. With one contribution, Haley yesterday made the Niners look smart.

Haley, who had not played in more than two years, applied pressure on Brett Favre in the third quarter of the 49ers’ 30-27 NFC wild-card playoff victory over the Packers at 3Com Park, forcing Favre to throw quickly over the middle. Linebacker Lee Woodall came up with an interception, leading to a 49ers touchdown. Credit Haley for getting in Favre’s face.

Bringing back Haley, which appeared to be an act of desperation, was in response to a rash of injuries that has badly damaged the once-dominating Niners pass rush. A season-ending injury to tackle Bryant Young and health problems to defensive ends Chris Doleman and Roy Barker forced the 49ers to look for another body. They found an old, retired one.

Haley, 34, was more than two years removed from his last football game. He left the 49ers in a 1992 trade to the Cowboys, leaving behind some bad blood between himself and many of the Niners, including Steve Young.

“Time heals all,” Young said.