San Francisco 49ers keeping roster open for return of tight end Delanie Walker – NFL Update
San Francisco 49ers have decided against replacing tight end, Delanie Walker, and coach, Jim Harbaugh, said on Monday, January 09, 2012, that he is going to keep the roster open for the player.
While addressing the media at the 49ers’ headquarters, Harbaugh said that it was good to hear that the player was recovering from his injury.
“We’ve made a decision on Delanie. We’re going to keep that spot open. Got great news on him last Wednesday. He is not the normal guy. He is not the average Joe walking around on the street. He’s young; he’s got great powers of healing apparently. So, he’s
made tremendous progress,” Harbaugh said.
Walker reportedly broke his jaws in the 2011 regular season when the 49ers played against Seattle Seahawks on Christmas Eve.
Near the end of the first quarter, he received a knee hit from Seahawks’ linebacker, Leroy Hill, and was forced out of the game.
Harbaugh had already said that he would make room in the roster if Walker returned.
As per the latest developments, the tight end is recovering fast, but has not been declared fit enough to step on the field.
Earlier on Friday, he showed up in front of the public for the first time after receiving the injury and gave an emotional response regarding missing the playoffs.
The 49ers have reached the postseason for the first time since 2002 and that is why everyone wants to give his all for the team.
Unfortunately, Walker cannot do it. Not now, at least!
The 49ers are going to take on the New Orleans Saints in their first playoff game next week. If San Francisco wins, they will qualify for the National Football Conference (NFC) championship final.
Harbaugh has said that if his team overcomes the Saints and Walker is declared fit to play, he will take part in the conference championship final.
“We’ll see. We’ll see just exactly when he’s back. Right now, to answer the question, and by evidence that we’re not making any move, we’re leaving that spot open for when he does come back,” the coach said.
Walker started his professional career with the 49ers after the franchise drafted him in 2006 and he kept improving his performance every year.
This now passed season, he played 15 games while starting seven of them, rushing for 198 yards on 19 receptions and registered three touchdowns to his credit.
The 49ers have not yet placed Walker on the season-ending injury list and are hopeful for his return. However, they have called Cody Slate who could serve as Walker’s replacement, if needed.
Harbaugh did not even rule Walker out of this weekend’s game, but his participation is unlikely. However, nothing can be said with complete authority as one never knows what the 49ers have got in the store for the big day.
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