Receivers Jones, Crabtree missing in action

<p>SANTA CLARA — The 49ers are back where they began the offseason at wide receiver.</p><p>Brandon Jones is expected to miss eight weeks after sustaining a fracture of his right shoulder while diving for a pass in practice. And draft pick Michael Crabtree’s contract impasse reached its 11th day on Friday with no end in sight.</p><p>Jones and Crabtree represent the 49ers’ biggest offseason investments. And now there are legitimate concerns about when either will be available to make contributions.</p><p>Jones, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans, became the 49ers’ highest-paid receiver in March when he signed a five-year, $16.5 million contract with $5.4 million of guaranteed money.</p><p>When Crabtree signs his rookie deal — if he signs his rookie deal — he will overtake Jones on the payroll. The 49ers have offered Crabtree, the No. 10 pick in the draft, a contract believed to include more than $16 million in guarantees.</p><p>“Thankfully, we have some receivers, and I know we have some that are capable of stepping in and doing a good job,” 49ers coach Mike Singletary said. “I hate that we lost Brandon Jones. He’s making great strides, doing a great job. But, thankfully, he will be back after that period.”</p><p>Jones had been one of the bright spots during camp, as he and quarterback Alex Smith appeared to build a rapport on deep pass routes. Jones had taken a clear lead as the team’s No. 3 wideout behind presumptive starters Isaac Bruce and Josh Morgan. But Jones will be sidelined for two months after landing on his shoulder in practice Thursday afternoon during a 7-on-7 drill.</p><p>Veteran Arnaz Battle, who is in a fight for a roster spot, was the 49ers’ leading pass-catcher among the wide receivers in 2006 and ’07. He now has an opportunity to distinguish himself and reclaim a significant role in the offense.</p><p>Jason Hill, Dominique Zeigler and Micheal Spurlock have all seen action in previous NFL seasons and continue to compete for roster spots, too. Former Green Bay Packers receiver Chris Francies was signed as a free agent on Friday.</p><p>Bruce was the team’s leading receiver last season — his first with the 49ers after 14 years with the division-rival Rams. He caught 61 passes for 835 yards and seven touchdowns.</p><p>Although he turns 37 in November, Bruce has taken part in every practice session through the first week of workouts. He has also willingly participated in Singletary’s physical drills during training camp.</p><p>Bruce has re-established himself as the top receiver on the team, catching a wideout-best 14 passes during the 49ers’ 11-on-11 drills. He said he is having the best training camp of his 16-year career.</p><p>“I decided to have my best camp ever, and I got my mind right for it,” said Bruce, who contemplated retirement in the offseason. “And that’s what’s happening.</p><p>“Honestly, I enjoy the whole aspect of it: meetings, getting up early in the morning, kind of being pressed for time and going out and practicing when the body’s rebelling. Pushing my body to the side and going out and practicing. I enjoy the whole deal.”</p><h3>EXTRA POINTS</h3> <p>The 49ers released defensive tackle Babatunde Oshinowo (Stanford) to make room for Francies on the 80-man roster.</p><p>Linebacker Jay Moore returned to practice after missing three days with a cut middle finger on his left hand, while tight end Delanie Walker remained out with a concussion.</p><p>The quarterback competition remains tight. Shaun Hill had the better morning session, while Alex Smith threw the ball well in the afternoon. Hill’s attempt at the 2-minute drill came to an end when tight end Vernon Davis lost a fumble after a catch. Linebacker Jeff Ulbrich punched the ball loose, and Reggie Smith recovered it.</p><p>After 12 consecutive padded practices, Singletary finally gave the team a break in the afternoon. It was the first time the 49ers practiced without pads since the opening of camp.</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco via e-mail at matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.</p>