Walker to be re-examined on Monday

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SANTA CLARA -- Tight end Delanie Walker underwent an examination Tuesday on his fractured jaw and while he has not been cleared to play football he said he is pleased with the progress.Walker is scheduled to be re-examined on Monday -- at which point he hopes to be cleared for contact. He will not play Saturday against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC divisional game at Candlestick Park.But if the 49ers advance, there's a chance Walker would be able to suit up in the NFC Championship game.Coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday the 49erswould not place Walker on injured reserve, keeping the door open for his participation at some point during the postseason."That was the talk," Walker said. "By me being cleared in a week-and-a-half, it gave them hope that I could come back. And the doctors feel confident that my jaw is holding up well. I might be able to play."Walker said the nature of his injury ordinarily means his jaw would've been wired shut for four weeks. But he was cleared to eat and talk after a week-and-a-half.Walker said he lost a minimal amount of weight while he was limited to a liquid diet. On Tuesday, he said he had an omelette for breakfast. He is also able to eat fruits and pasta."I get a little pain here and there, but from what it was, I feel like it's pretty good," Walker said.RELATED: McDonald does not practice but expects to play vs. Saints
Walker sustained a fractured jaw in two places on Dec. 24 when he was inadvertently kneed in the head by Seattle linebacker Leroy Hill.Walker was down on the ground after making a cut block. Hill, in pursuit of the play, tried to jump over Walker, but ended up kneeing him in the jaw, sending Walker's helmet flying.Walker is the the 49ers' No. 2 tight end. He started seven games, as the 49ers gravitated more to a two-TE offense. Walker caught 19 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Veteran Justin Peelle takes over as the 49ers' second-string tight end.

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