Harbaugh says Walker out for ‘period of time'

SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers plan to wait at least another week to determine whether there's a chance tight end Delanie Walker could be available to contribute in the playoffs.

Walker sustained a significant jaw injury when Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill inadvertently kicked him as he tried to hurdle Walker, who was on the ground. Hill was in pursuit of 49ers running back Frank Gore on a run play."He's going to be out for a period of time," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday. "We don't know exactly how long."When asked if the 49ers would replace Walker on the roster, Harbaugh said the 49ers are considering all of their options.
If the 49ers determine there is a chance Walker could return in time for the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis, he will not be placed on injured reserve, Harbaugh said."Those are all decisions we have to make," Harbaugh said. "We're thinking them through. We're preparing. If there's a shot he's going to be back in the postseason, we'd rather not make a roster move with him. It'd be our hope that if he can be back, he will be back, and leave that option available. And we won't know that for another seven to 10 days, how he's healing, how he's progressing."Harbaugh declined to confirm whether Walker sustained a fractured jaw and required surgery.With Walker out of action, Justin Peelle is Vernon Davis' backup at tight end. Rookie tight end Konrad Reuland has spent the entire season on the 49ers' practice squad.