49ers notes: He's at it again: Davis tangles with a teammate

SANTA CLARA - Tight end Vernon Davis, who had several practice-field scrapes with teammates a year ago, was back at it Friday when things grew a bit heated between him and linebacker Parys Haralson.

One moment, Davis was blocking Haralson on a running play. The next, the two were holding onto each other's face masks while swinging away with their free hands. When the combatants were pulled apart, Davis had Haralson's helmet, which he threw onto an adjoining practice field.

Davis spent some time cooling off with team chaplain Earl Smith before returning to the practice field.

Afterward, coach Mike Nolan - as he said several times last season - declared he didn't have any issues with practice fisticuffs but wanted Davis to keep his cool during games.

"He let his emotions get the best of him, and that's what I told him," Nolan said.

Sound of music - Davis apparently wasn't soothed by the music piped in from the sidelines. The 49ers went through their first minicamp practice with a CD of NFL Films classics from composer Sam Spence playing in the background.

Nolan reasoned there's always music being played over the public address system during games and the 49ers also should be practicing with it.

"As I walked around while they were stretching, there were several players who were saying the names of NFL Films clips," Nolan said. "They are familiar with it because they all want to be on those clips."

Et cetera - Wide receiver Arnaz Battle was held out of the morning practice after rolling his ankle Thursday night. "I don't know if he fell out of bed or slipped in the shower or what," Nolan said. Battle did practice in the afternoon session.

Guard David Baas (chest), nose tackle Joe Cohen (knee), linebacker Manny Lawson (knee) and defensive end Melvin Oliver were held out of practice. Cornerback Tarell Brown (knee) and offensive tackle Jonas Jennings (ankle) went through modified practices.

• First-round draft pick Kentwan Balmer practiced at left defensive end and will remain there for the near future. That means Balmer will play against right guard Chilo Rachal, the 49ers' second-round draft pick.

• Free-agent acquisition Justin Smith spent most of the day playing right defensive end. But he also stood up on a few occasions and played linebacker.

"I really don't have a feel," he said as far as how much he'll be on his feet this season. "I know I'll definitely be moved around."

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