The reason for Arnaz Battle's absence remains unexplained, but there are some pretty happy 49ers wide receivers right now. With Battle back at his offseason home in Dallas, the door has swung wide open for Ashley Lelie, Jason Hill and Josh Morgan to get more work during organized team activities.

When asked if Battle is hurting himself by remaining away during this offseason while most of the other receivers are hanging around the team's practice facility and learning Mike Martz's offense, Nolan answered, "Next question."

But Nolan expounded on why it is important for a player, such as a wide receiver, to attend all the team workouts - even the voluntary ones.

"We do have an offense going in, and all the guys here are benefitting from that," Nolan said. "It's a great opportunity for all the guys, especially coming off a year like last year where we did not show the progress that we made the first two seasons. It is a great opportunity. Some of the guys who would not typically get a look are getting a look right now."

That includes rookie free agent Robert Jordan of Cal who was getting more practice time than expected.

The only receivers not affected are starting split end Bryant Johnson and flanker Isaac Bruce. They're getting the same amount of repetitions, however Bruce has a little less competition to win a starting job with Battle nowhere to be found.

"Isaac still has a lot of gas in the tank," Nolan said. "He's very subtle in his - I don't want to say 'leadership,' but it is - his leadership by example. The fact he's here is leadership.

"I see him interact with the young guys quite a bit and talk with them - that ability to convey a message that's not coming from a coach. I think he's been extremely helpful in the fact he's very willing to work with the young guys and talk to them between plays.

"Bryant Young was that way. The older guys with a lot of pelts on the wall, the good ones anyway, seem to show that."

The 49ers have not communicated with Battle about his reasoning behind skipping the OTAs. Because it is a voluntary minicamp, they are not too concerned. The club believes that if Battle wanted to send a message, he would've skipped the mandatory minicamp in May.

Battle has two years remaining on the contract extension he signed in March 2007. He is scheduled to earn $1.34 million in 2008 and $1.49 in 2009. He also can earn an additional $950,000 both seasons in incentives.

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The 49ers will hold 12 OTA practices. The league allows each club to have 14 practices. Nolan said he will hold 12 practices as a reward to the players for attendance in the offseason program that reached over 90 percent again this offseason.

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Upon reviewing the performance of rookie Chilo Rachal in his first day of practice at right tackle, Nolan said, "It looked new to him, which is expected." He added that if Rachal would've looked polished at right tackle, he "would've been pleased but surprised."

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Quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan reported to OTAs on Tuesday and took some reps with the third team offense. Tackle Jonas Jennings is scheduled to report for practice on Thursday. The club is scheduled to work out Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays through June 20.

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