Niners will evaluate TE Walker after first practice back

San Francisco 49ers tight end Delanie Walker returned from a fractured jaw to practice for the first time Wednesday, leaving a growing sense of optimism he could play in Sunday's NFC Championship Game.Walker was listed as taking part in a limited portion of practice. He had Tweeted last Sunday that he had worked out and proclaimed himself ready to play against the New York Giants.
When Walker's message was relayed to 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh during his Wednesday press conference, he was hopeful but non-committal.Walker was a key component to the 49ers' offense before he was injured in the regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks. He had six receptions for 69 yards in the 49ers' 27-20 win over the Giants in Week 10.
Three 49ers -- wide receiver Ted Ginn (knee), safety Dashon Goldson (ankle) and center Jonathan Goodwin (calf) -- were held out of Wednesday's practice. All three suffered injuries in the divisional playoff win over the New Orleans Saints.





Vikings Allen wishes McCown pulled a Favre in season finale
Raiders to interview Eagles OC Mornhinweg for head-coach role
Dolphins ask Bowles and McCoy to talk again about head-coach job
Titans hire Maxie to replace Robertson as secondary coach
Texans Jones apologizes and moves forward after muffed punt