San Francisco 49ers’ tight end, Delanie Walker, returns to practice – NFL News Update
After breaking his jaw in the regular season game of the National Football League (NFL) against Seattle Seahawks last month, San Francisco 49ers’ tight end, Delanie Walker, appeared in the practice session for the first time on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.
However, his participation in the National Football Conference (NFC) championship final is not guaranteed and coach, Jim Harbaugh, thinks that the decision to include the player in the line-up will be made after monitoring his progress in the upcoming training
sessions.
“You see how he responds to today’s work, today’s treatment. We’ll know more tomorrow, more the next day. Ultimately, it will be in the doctor’s hands,” Harbaugh told press.
During the Christmas Eve’s game, Seahawks’ linebacker, Leroy Hill accidently hit his knee on the jaws of Walker in the first quarter. Walker left the field and later reports confirmed that his jaws were broken.
Walker, a six-year veteran, was drafted by the 49ers in 2006. He has been a crucial part of the team’s offensive line. This season, he started seven games while playing 15 where he managed 198 yards on 19 receptions for three touchdowns.
Earlier, it was speculated that Walker might miss the entire postseason, but before the game against New Orleans Saints, the tight end marked his first public appearance after the injury and informed that he was recovering fast.
Although it was confirmed that he would miss the game against the Saints, there were reports that he could play if the 49ers qualified for the championship final.
The 49ers had already made it clear that they would not cut Walker out of their roster and would make a room for the player if he is was available to play.
On Wednesday, he practised wearing a face shield on his helmet. Moreover, as per safety measures, the other players were not allowed to hit him.
Harbaugh said that he would love to have Walker back in the side, but maintained that his replacement, Justin Peelle, has also done well.
“We would much prefer to have Delanie out there. He is a great football player, first and foremost. Smart, physical, intelligent, play-making ability. That’s not to say that the next guy that steps up doesn’t have some of those same qualities. Certainly
[TE] Justin Peelle has filled that role very well,” the coach said.
The 49ers are going to practise for a couple of more days before hosting New York Giants at the Candlestick Park on Sunday, January 22.
Walker was a part of the 49ers’ side that defeated the Giants in the regular season game. In his absence, Vernon Davis has also performed relatively well and played a key role in the victory against the Saints by catching two touchdown passes.
Now when the resurging Giants will be focusing on preventing Davis, Walker’s inclusion will not only strengthen the 49ers offence, but also surprise the Giants.
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