Davis, Allen scuffle in practice

<p>SANTA CLARA -- During the 49ers' intrasquad scrimmage Saturday, the offense was supposed to battle the defense. Instead, two high-profile offensive players turned against each other.</p><p>Tight end Vernon Davis and guard Larry Allen got into a heated confrontation that turned physical, requiring a handful of teammates to separate them. The reason for the fight between the talkative Davis, a second-year pro, and taciturn, 13-year veteran Allen was not known.</p><p>A club public-relations employee shielded Davis from speaking with the media before he signed autographs for fans. The same spokesman said Davis and Allen shook hands and embraced. The 49ers did not practice Sunday.</p><p>It is common for teammates to tangle during training camp, but it is almost always an offensive player against a defensive player. The scuffle broke out just moments after the first unit failed to score a touchdown on their first series against the No. 2 defense.</p><p>Defensive lineman Bryant Young, tackle Jonas Jennings and assistant head coach Mike Singletary were among those who rushed to calm Davis. Meanwhile, team chaplain Earl Smith shadowed Allen while Davis continued to vent about 40 yards away.</p><p>"It was nothing," Young said. "It's not a big deal. It's just the heat of the battle. We all get in scuffles now and then."</p><p>Davis was involved in two of the three plays prior to the fight with Allen. He caught a pass from quarterback Alex Smith for about 10 yards, and then raised his arms to the crowd, eliciting applause for the approximate 3,000 fans in attendance.</p><p>Two plays later, Davis appeared to be open in the middle of the end zone. But by the time Smith began his throwing motion, the window had closed. Smith pumped at Davis and then threw incomplete to running back Maurice Hicks.</p><p>"I don't want to get into it," Smith said as he left the locker room.</p><p>When asked if it was a concern, 49ers coach Mike Nolan paused for five seconds before answering.</p><p>"Yes and no," he said. "I don't like guys fighting (because) someone might get hurt. But if you're fighting about something, it means something to you. That's really important.</p><p>"We didn't score on that first drive like our offense wanted to. I know that was the frustration of all 11 guys coming off the field."</p><p>Davis, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2006 draft, plays with raw emotion. He is regularly seen antagonizing defensive players on the practice field. Last year, he drew the ire of Nolan when he was called for a 15-yard taunting penalty after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks.</p><p>Later in practice, Davis caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Smith and tossed the ball into the crowd for a souvenir.</p><p>EXTRA POINTS</p><p>Young (back), Jennings (rest), running back Frank Gore (broken hand), linebacker Jeff Ulbrich and offensive lineman Tavares Washington (knee) were held out of the scrimmage. Ulbrich was "woozy" from a Friday hit, and the club kept him out as a precaution.</p><p>Cornerback Nate Clements and outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain had strong showings in the scrimmage. Clements picked off a Trent Dilfer pass that he wrestled away from receiver Ashley Lelie. Banta-Cain repeatedly applied pressure on the quarterback. Earlier in the day, Singletary said he expects Banta-Cain to record at least 10 sacks this season. "There's no reason he shouldn't be one of the leading sack guys in the league," Singletary said.</p><p>Outside linebackers Jay Moore and Manny Lawson made noteworthy plays. Moore tipped a Smith pass at the line of scrimmage and then made a lunging catch for an interception. Lawson intercepted third-string quarterback Shaun Hill and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown.</p><p>Receiver Darrell Jackson caught three passes for approximately 35 yards during a four-play sequence.</p><p>After their day off Sunday, the 49ers are scheduled to return to the field at 9 a.m. today for a padded practice. They'll practice in shorts this afternoon.</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.</p><p>com.</p>