SEATTLE -- Tight end Delanie Walker sustained a jaw injury in the first quarter Saturday that places into question his availability for the 49ers' upcoming appearance in the NFC playoffs.Walker sustained the injury when Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill inadvertently kicked him while Walker was on the ground after a cut block on a run play.Walker's helmet flew off and he remained on the ground for several minutes after the 49ers' medical staff and coach Jim Harbaugh rushed to his assistance. Walker held a towel over the left side of his jaw. He was carted off the field, presumably for X-rays.The 49ers immediately announced that Walker would not be available to return to the game.Walker has not caught a pass in the past six games for the 49ers, but he's been a major contributor to the offense as a blocker.
It was not a good first half for the 49ers, who trail the Seahawks 10-3 while trying to hold onto the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs ahead of the New Orleans Saints.Defensive starters Justin Smith (left leg) and Ahmad Brooks (right elbow) left the game due to injuries in the first quarter. Both returned to action in the second quarter. And the 49ers offense has sputtered, with tight end Vernon Davis dropping a couple of passes.Also, Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch is threatening to end the 49ers' streak of 36 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Lynch has 83 yards rushing on 14 carries.
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