Arnaz Battle, who has missed the last two voluntary OTAs, contacted the team today and said he would arrive in Santa Clara over the weekend. Battle, who has been working out in the Dallas area, presumably will be on the field for the Monday practice. Battle told coaches he has remained in Dallas because of personal reasons. He has not taken part in the offseason weight lifting and conditioning program, although he did attend the mandatory minicamp last month.
Battle has been working behind Isaac Bruce at the "Z" wideout position. He is in a good spot to win the role as No. 3 receiver in the offense. However, Jason Hill and Ashley Lelie have been working in that role during Battle's absence.
* Some of you have asked about a television report this morning that said that ex-Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman had skipped out on a scheduled interview with the 49ers. Both Thurman's agent and the 49ers say that there never was meeting. In fact, the latest news is that Thurman has been suspended indefinitely by the league. The 49ers also have shown no interest in free-agent linebacker Roosevelt Colvin.
* My guy Maiocco is reporting that the 49ers are interested in signing ex-Raider lineman Barry Sims. If the 49ers do sign Sims, it might mean that Chilo Rachal will return to playing guard. Rachal, a guard at USC, has been practicing this week at right tackle due to the lack of depth at the position. However, there is disagreement inside the 49ers' organization as to whether Rachal should have been moved to tackle in the first place.
* The 49ers today announced that former linebacker Keena Turner has been made VP of Football Affairs. What does that mean? Here's how Jed York described Turner's new role in an e-mail to the team:
"Keena will be in charge of all programs related to player well-being and success including counseling, faith-based and player development programs. As part of his role he will serve as an advisor to the coaching staff to help players reach their full potential. Reporting to Keena will be Guy McIntyre and Earl Smith.
Keena will also have responsibility for the 49ers Alumni Relations program working with marketing and community relations to further engage alumni players by involving them in game day activities and other team events throughout the year. In addition, Keena will serve as the gatekeeper and advisor for all current player involvement in marketing, foundation and community outreach activities. Responsibilities include acting as the approval authority for all player appearances for events."
* Don't forget that the 49ers are hosting Family Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Candlestick Park. Events include locker room tours as well as cheerleading and football clinics. Justin Smith and Nate Clements are scheduled to attend.
-- Matt Barrows
@Nyx.CommentBody@