Will Walker see play time squeezed in 2012?

With a seemingly better group of wide receivers, there is likely to be a loss of play time for the 49ers tight ends in 2012.
As the 49ers' wide receiver corps dwindled last season, so did that unit's playing time. Consequently, two tight-end formations became the 49ers' base offense.Over the course of the entire season, the 49ers employed an average of 1.80 wide receivers per play. Despite Delanie Walker missing the final seven quarters of the regular season with a fractured jaw, the 49ers used 1.65 tight ends per play.Tight ends
It's not at all unusual for Vernon Davis to play every snap in a game. The passing game is better with Davis on the field. And the run game is better, too, because of his tenacity as a blocker.Davis, who struggled with the offense in the early part of last season, picked it up in time to have a remarkable two playoff games. Because the 49ers, theoretically, have better talent at wide receiver, it could open the door for Davis to have a strong season as safeties might have to be more alert for the receiver combination of Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss and Mario Manningham.
Despite problems back at home -- his 19-year-old brother, Michael, was charged with first-degree murder and ruled incompetent to stand trial -- Davis maintained his focus on football during the offseason.Fittingly, the offseason ended for the veterans on Davis' 7-yard touchdown catch from Colin Kaepernick to conclude the final day of the team's mandatory minicamp.Last season, Delanie Walker played more snaps (535) than any 49ers wide receiver other than Crabtree, who was on the field for 668 snaps. And Walker missed the end of the regular season with his jaw injury.Despite his increase in play time through the course of season, Walker caught only 19 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. In fact, he went five full games without a catch before he sustained his injury. Walker's improved blocking -- and the fact the 49ers' wideouts did not earn the coaches' trust -- kept him on the field.Walker, who enters the final year of his contract, had a forgettable offseason.In May, he went to the ground with a left knee injury. Although he declared himself fine, Walker never returned to full strength during the offseason program. On the final day of minicamp, Walker was on crutches as he was driven from the team's practice facility. Coach Jim Harbaugh said Walker is expected to be full strength for the opening of training camp. The first practice for veterans is scheduled for Thursday, July 27.Nate Byham, a sixth-round pick in 2010, returned to full practice after his second NFL season ended before it began with a torn ACL at the beginning of training camp. He wore a brace on his left knee during the offseason program, and put himself into prime position to compete for a roster spot at the end of July.Former Stanford tight end Konrad Reuland excelled during the offseason program with the focus on the passing game. His mandatory camp ended in strong fashion with touchdown receptions from Kaepernick and Alex Smith. The latter catch was a nice grab against the defense of rookie safety Trenton Robinson in tight quarters. Now, Reuland will have to show he's improved his physicality when the pads go on.Undrafted rookie Garrett Celek (Michigan State) definitely held his own during the offseason program. His final two seasons were cut short due to shoulder injuries. If he remains healthy in camp, he could turn some heads. His brother is Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek. First-year player Kyle Nelson is not among the team's top tight ends, but he also has some skill as a long-snapper. Brian Jennings enters his 13th season, but he has given the 49ers no reason to try to replace him.The wild-card in the tight end mix is defensive lineman Demarcus Dobbs (6-foot-6, 275 pounds). Honestly, I did not see Dobbs take many snaps of offense. But if he's a standout in-line blocker when the pads go on, it's possible that his two-way duty could make the 49ers consider keeping only two tight ends on the 53-man roster.