Battle figures to make 49ers' roster

<p>SAN DIEGO — Veteran receiver Arnaz Battle will not get a final chance to make his case for a 49ers roster spot tonight.</p><p>That's probably all right, because coach Mike Singletary said he knows the identities of most players who will comprise the 49ers' 53-man roster. And there's not much that can happen in the exhibition finale against the San Diego Chargers that is going to change his mind.</p><p>“I have a very good idea as to who the 53 are,” Singletary said, “and I've told the guys there are a few slots there, competition-wise.</p><p>“Young guys here and there that need to go out and play as best they can and make sure that when other people look at that film, that that's their resume.”</p><p>Battle is expected to make the 49ers' season-opening roster again this season. It appeared in the offseason as if his days with the organization were coming to a rapid conclusion.</p><p>After all, the 49ers signed free-agent slot receiver Brandon Jones to a five-year, $16.5 million contract, then drafted Michael Crabtree with the No.10 overall pick.</p><p>But Jones is out through September with a fractured shoulder, and Crabtree has — through 38 days of a contract stalemate — snubbed his nose at the 49ers' offer of approximately $16 million in guaranteed money.</p><p>“There are young guys coming up and draft picks, and this and that,” Battle said. “I can't control that, but it can be frustrating at times.</p><p>“All I can do is go out each day and take care of my body and learn the offense, run the routes and get better and better. If it doesn't work out here, hopefully somebody else will see it and I'll have a job somewhere.”</p><p>Battle, a sixth-round pick in the 2003 draft, broke into the 49ers' starting lineup in 2005 with eight starts. He led the team's wideouts in receptions in 2006 and '07.</p><p>Through it all, Battle has already outlasted many of the players who were brought in to replace him. That list includes draft picks Rashaun Woods, Derrick Hamilton, Rasheed Marshall, Marcus Maxwell and Brandon Williams, and veteran additions Curtis Conway, Johnnie Morton, Antonio Bryant, Ashley Lelie, Taylor Jacobs and Darrell Jackson.</p><p>Battle's biggest issue has been remaining healthy. He missed six games in 2005 with a knee injury, and seven games last season with a foot injury that required surgery in December and limited his participation in the offseason program.</p><p>Although he has practiced this week, Singletary said Battle will not play tonight. He sustained a bruised shoulder Saturday night against the Dallas Cowboys.</p><p>But Battle appears to have the inside track to being the 49ers' No. 3 receiver when the season begins. New offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye did not get a chance to see Battle in action until the beginning of training camp. He said Battle has been a “pleasant surprise.”</p><p>It's no surprise that one of Battle's strengths is his prowess at moving the chains on third downs. Battle caught three third-down passes from quarterback Shaun Hill last week against the Cowboys during their two-minute drive at the end of the half that got the 49ers in range for Joe Nedney field goal.</p><p>“He's so strong with the ball in his hands,” Hill said. “He's tough to bring down with one guy and he's always falling forward. He's probably one of the better yards-after-contact guys that we have in the receiving corps.”</p><p>Despite indications that he has nothing to worry about when the cuts are announced, Battle said he is taking nothing for granted this year.</p><p>“It's still up in the air,” he said. “I think this is one of those years where it's uncertain for me. I haven't felt this way in a while.”</p><h3>NOTES</h3> <p>Hill will start and the 49ers' starting offense is expected to play approximately a dozen snaps, Singletary said. Running back Frank Gore and receiver Isaac Bruce will not suit up for the game.</p><p>Third-string quarterback Nate Davis is slated to play more than three quarters, as Alex Smith will not play because of a thumb sprain.</p><p>Safety Michael Lewis (concussion), linebacker Jay Moore (groin), linebacker Ahmad Brooks (knee), center Cody Wallace (viral meningitis), receiver Brandon Jones (shoulder) will not suit up for tonight's game, Singletary said.</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>