Evidently Ahmad Brooks forgot all about Jim Harbaugh’s mantra, which was handed down by his college coach, Bo Schembechler: the team, the team, the team.

On Sunday, the 49ers outside linebacker decided to stop playing for the team because he was upset about his limited role with Aldon Smith back from a nine-game suspension, FOX Sports first reported.

Brooks started in the 49ers’ 16-10 over the Giants, but it quickly became clear impressive rookie Aaron Lynch – not Brooks – would log the majority of the snaps once Smith first entered early in the second quarter.

Brooks finished with 12 snaps, none in the second half. Lynch played 66 of 70 snaps and Smith had 54. Because Brooks left work early, the 49ers dusted off little-used Corey Lemonier, who played eight snaps.

It will be interesting to see how Jim Harbaugh handles the situation with Brooks, who sat on the bench sporting a knit cap for the final two quarters and removed his cleats at one point.

Brooks blatantly put his own interests before the team, which has to rank fairly high on Harbaugh’s don’t-do list. After the game, Harbaugh declined to say why Brooks didn’t play in the second half.

Then, at his weekly news conference Monday, Harbaugh suggested they had cleared the air.

“We’ve addressed it and had those conversations,” Harbaugh said. “Onward.”

He offered no details, though he indicated he expects Brooks to play in this Sunday’s home game against Washington.

On Sunday, Harbaugh was asked if Brooks’ future with the team was in doubt. His answer suggested he didn’t plan to quit on a player who quit on the team.

“We need Ahmad Brooks to win a championship,” Harbaugh said. “I feel that wholeheartedly. And have felt that way.”

Twitter: @Eric_Branch