SANTA CLARA -- Tight end Delanie Walker is expected to return to the 49ers lineup Sunday for the first time since sustaining a fractured jaw on Christmas Eve.Although he said the two fractures on the left side of his face are healed, he expects the New York Giants take some shots at him in the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park."They're probably going to try it, and I'll be ready for it," Walker said Friday. "That's probably the biggest concern with the doctors -- them trying to go at me. Hopefully, the referees will be watching and seeing that kind of stuff going on and they'll get the flag."
Walker had his best game as a receiver on Nov. 13 against the Giants with six receptions for 69 yards. And he also frustrated the Giants with his blocking.Walker's helmet was seen coming off after he engaged with New York defensive end Dave Tollefson on a fourth-quarter run play."He yanked it off my head, Tollefson did, yeah," Walker answered when asked about the play. "That's why if you watch it, we have words. I was blocking him and I wouldn't let him off the block, so he grabbed my facemask and twisted my helmet all the way around."Walker was not injured on the play. But he was not so lucky when Seattle linebacker Leroy Hill inadvertently kneed him in the head, sending his helmet flying in the Dec. 24 game. Walker had his jaw wired shut and was relegated to a liquid diet for 10 days.
Walker had the wires in his jaw removed on Monday. He was cleared to return to practice this week with a new helmet. Walker switched to a Riddell Revolution, which offers more protection in the jaw area, along with a bigger facemask. "It felt good on my face," Walker said. "I did some hitting (at practice) and I felt good."
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