San Francisco 49ers’ tight end, Delanie Walker, disappointed on missing the playoffs – NFL News
San Francisco 49ers’ tight end, Delanie Walker, on Friday, January 6, 2012, expressed disappointment over missing the playoffs due to broken jaws and said that he desperately wanted to play in the postseason.
At the same time, however, he was pleased for the franchise that has reached the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
During the Christmas Eve’s game against Seattle Seahawks in the regular season, Walker’s jaw was broken after he accidentally received a knee hit from Seahawks’ linebacker, Leroy Hill, near the end of the first quarter.
He kept lying on the field for a few minutes, before eventually leaving.
In his first public appearance after the injury, Walker said that he had realised that the jaws were broken as soon as he took the hit.
According to the doctors, Walker is recovering, but it cannot be guaranteed that he will be fit enough to play in the postseason.
"It's emotional," he said. "First time in the playoffs and I get hurt. Not being able to play, that kind of hurts. But our team is doing well, and I'm recovering the way I want to recover, so who knows."
Walker has been playing with the 49ers since 2006 when he was drafted by the franchise.
This season, he started seven games while playing 15. He has 19 receptions for 198 yards and 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.
While updating Walker’s status soon after the game against the Seahawks, 49ers coach, Jim Harbaugh, had said that he would made changes into the team’s roster if Walker became available any time in the postseason.
"If there's a shot that he's going to be back in the postseason, we'd rather not make a roster move with him," Harbaugh said. "It'd be our hope that if he can be back, he will be back."
Since the 49ers have a first-week bye in the playoffs, they have some time before announcing a final roster.
The 49ers have performed remarkably well throughout the season and qualified for the playoffs after topping the National Football Conference (NFC) West division. They were only defeated three times in the season.
But the playoff scenario is different. A single defeat could send any team packing. Walker might be able to play the conference championship game if the 49ers win their playoff game next weekend.
Meanwhile, Walker has said that he will try his best to stay healthy and get back on the field as soon as possible.
"I'm just here to try to get back in shape, working out. I don't know what's going to happen, whether I'm going to be back or not," he said.
Walker’s return will certainly strengthen the 49ers’ offensive line, which will be the key against strong teams in the playoffs.
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