Veteran cornerback Walt Harris is likely to miss the 2009 season after sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee yesterday. The injury will require surgery, the team said.
Harris, who turns 35 in August, sustained the injury yesterday when he got tangled with 49ers receiver Dominique Zeigler during organized team activities. An MRI examination revealed the extent of the injury after the 49ers initially announced the injury was not believed to be "nothing major."
Harris was selected to his only Pro Bowl after the 2006 season - his first year with the 49ers after signing with the club as a free agent. In three seasons with the 49ers, Harris started 46 games. Harris is scheduled to make $1.7 million in 2009, which is the final year of his contract.
Although the 49ers did not rule out Harris' return this season, it is highly unlikely he can recover in enough time to salvage any part of the upcoming season.
The 49ers will likely turn to third-year player Tarell Brown - or a veteran free agent -- to start alongside veteran Nate Clements. (Shawntae Spencer is returning from an ACL injury of his own, which he sustained Sept. 14 at Seattle. He has still not returned to practice.) Brown saw action in 15 games last season. His primary role was as a nickel back, but he was credited with one starting assignment. Brown recorded two interceptions.
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So, I guess we'll test that "depth" early...
Luckily, Scot used the 75th overall pick in 2008 on 3rd rd "steal" Reggie Smith . . .
Ouch!
What about Spencer? Has he fallen that far out of favor to not even be considered for a starting spot?
I don't know how much it would be falling out of favor because of his skills as it may be more a health / dependability issue. Seemed like that guy is always injured. Almost the Jennings of the defense... almost...cuz lets face it no one is quite as bad as jennings when it comes to staying healthy.
And Scot was also very prudent in squeezing Don Strickland's backup money.
1) Oh No! That's really sad news. Wals had been a very good player since joining the 49ers and it wouldnt surprise me if this meant the end of Walt's Career. 2) I like Spencer, but he's had durability problems. Hopefully someone else fills the role solidly so we can establish some consistency at the position. 3) Am I the only one that's afraid to call Spencer by his first name because I'm not confident in my spelling of Shawntae? 4) "Rich, DE" I know your name probably indicates that you live in Delaware, but I'm really hoping that it's your position. Signing out. Mike, LB.
Tarell Brown is better than Walt Harris.
Matt- Don't you think Shawntae will be the one to fill this void? It seems to me that he would be the one that could step in and TRY to replace Walt. Terrible way to start the season. Good luck to Walt on a speedy recovery.
They better go after Roderick Hood right away before he signs with the rams.
Hope this gives Terrail Lambert a shot.
That's unfortunate that this happened to Harris at this stage in his career. I really liked the guy.
Matt,
The 9ers sustained four injuries in 2 days of OTA's. I like Sing's intensity but do you think some of the Asst Coaches and players want him to tone it down a bit? Seems like they can be focused and execute at a high level without all the contact, especially since they aren't wearing pads.
Too bad for Harris -- but maybe a silver lining for us.
Harris really ran down last year -- and was not nearly as good at the end as he was at the beginning. (Sorta like Favre.) And he was getting much slower, too, tho never as slow as Roman.
Brown, on the other hand, was coming on strong. I like his instincts, and he's got a nose for the ball. I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be a blessing in disguise. But only time will tell.
This sucks, but it will force the 49ers to move on. Something they've been putting off for awhile now. Harris was good, but his age was starting to become a liability. And this just proves that point even more. The 49ers might go after Rod Hood now.
It's better that it happened now than say in TC. Just checked the FA wire on NFL.com & theres quite a few quality CB's available like Dre' Bly, Ahmad Carrol & Phillip Buchanon to name a few as well as McCalister. The 49ers are not going to stand pat so I suspect they will make a move quickly to shore up depth.
I'd love McCallister or Bly but I also like the Idea of Brown getting his shot.
Matt- do you think they will rotate with Spencer once he is healthy enough to play?
I hear Jimmy Williams is available...
It's too bad for Harris, but Brown needs to get in there anyway.
And I not only doubt Harris returns this year, I can't really imagine him returning at all. A 35-year-old corner with a torn ACL? Smells of retirement...
The fortunes of war. Too bad. Mr. Brown must now assert himself as a starting corner. I believe he has the skill set. Lets see if he has the desire inside to take what cannot be given. As far as Mr. Spencer goes I have seen enough to believe he is no more than a nickel back. If memory serves me correctly I witnessed him getting beat by the opposing enemies 3rd receiver on more than one occasion. McCalister would be my first choice in the list Mr. F9er provided.
Sad to see one of our elders go down in battle-Walt comports with style and grace and is truly honorable .I'm hoping for the best- if he doesn't come back however he certainly has my gratitude as a fan.
How many quality CBs are left? Clements, Brown, Spencer and Hudson. I felt fine with five. Four is not good.
Do we need to look for a veteran backup?
Oh, how unlucky! 2009 is W-Harris's contact year too; he'll turn 36 next year. Harsh to say this but I think his NFL career could be over.
Unless Mike Nolan needs a CB or something.