Harris sustains torn ACL; likely to miss season

Veteran cornerback Walt Harris is likely to miss the 2009 season after sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee yesterday. The injury will require surgery, the team said.

 

Harris, who turns 35 in August, sustained the injury yesterday when he got tangled with 49ers receiver Dominique Zeigler during organized team activities. An MRI examination revealed the extent of the injury after the 49ers initially announced the injury was not believed to be “nothing major.”

 

Harris was selected to his only Pro Bowl after the 2006 season – his first year with the 49ers after signing with the club as a free agent. In three seasons with the 49ers, Harris started 46 games. Harris is scheduled to make $1.7 million in 2009, which is the final year of his contract.

 

Although the 49ers did not rule out Harris’ return this season, it is highly unlikely he can recover in enough time to salvage any part of the upcoming season.

 

The 49ers will likely turn to third-year player Tarell Brown – or a veteran free agent — to start alongside veteran Nate Clements. (Shawntae Spencer is returning from an ACL injury of his own, which he sustained Sept. 14 at Seattle. He has still not returned to practice.) Brown saw action in 15 games last season. His primary role was as a nickel back, but he was credited with one starting assignment. Brown recorded two interceptions.

 

* * *

Comments are closed.