A highly placed NFL source said the contract stalemate between the 49ers and first-round draft pick Michael Crabtree is likely to drag on until at least shortly before the regular-season opener at Arizona.

In other words: Don’t expect to see Crabtree during any of the 49ers’ four exhibition games.
The NFL source told the San Jose Mercury News that no breakthrough is expected until the days leading up to the 49ers’ Sept. 13 game against the Cardinals. At that point, a continued absence by Crabtree would jeopardize potential game checks. The 49ers’ front office declined comment Wednesday. Crabtree’s agent, Eugene Parker, has said he will not negotiate through the media.
With the 49ers’ exhibition opener looming Friday against the Denver Broncos, Crabtree is among four unsigned players out of the draft’s top 11. The Texas Tech receiver might be a key to the other talks as the surrounding draft picks wait to see if Crabtree can score a bigger contract than what is unofficially slotted for a No. 10 choice.
Crabtree is believed to be seeking a contract commensurate with a higher pick. Parker has not discussed offers publicly. ESPN.com quoted Crabtree’s cousin and adviser, David Wells, as citing the $38 million ($23.5 million guaranteed) given to No. 7 pick Darrius Heyward-Bey. “Michael just wants fair market value,” Wells told the Web site.
The 49ers went through their 22nd training-camp practice Wednesday. To date, players in camp have been publicly understanding of Crabtree’s absence, reasoning that it’s simply the business side of life in NFL.
Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye was asked what Crabtree was missing by not being in camp.
“Obviously, he’s missing an opportunity to join his teammates to bond and learn what we are doing,” Raye said. “It’s a detriment at this point, but we’ll embrace him when he comes.
“It’s not him. It’s the business that he’s involved in. When he gets that fixed, then we’ll fix him.”
—For one practice at least, the quarterback competition was between Micheal Spurlock and Arnaz Battle. The 49ers practiced the wildcat formation — Raye calls it the “taser” — with a shotgun snap going directly to a running threat rather than a quarterback.
Both players have quarterback backgrounds. Spurlock was Eli Manning’s backup at Mississippi before starting his senior season; Battle saw time at quarterback for Notre Dame. Michael Robinson (groin), a former quarterback at Penn State, will also be a top taser candidate when healthy.
Spurlock threw the only pass out of the formation, hitting Isaac Bruce with a short pass. In general, Spurlock showed a good burst running the ball.
“He has great initial quickness and he is a pass threat,” Raye said. “The combination of those things and the fact that he is a punt returner who can run with the ball gives you a little more flexibility and a little more lead way.”
Widely considered an afterthought when camp began, Spurlock’s versatility might help him earn a roster spot.
As Wednesday’s practice demonstrated, the 49ers are looking for ways to utilize his diverse skill set. Spurlock had a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in 2007 — the first kickoff return for a TD in Buccaneers franchise history.
“The more you can do, they keep you around a long time,” Spurlock said.
—The 49ers have yet to say which injured players would sit out against the Broncos. Among those held out of practice were tight end Delanie Walker (concussion), linebacker Patrick Willis (ankle) and cornerback Tarell Brown (toe).