With Talanoa Hufanga uncertain to start the season on time, the 49ers will retain some insurance. They are bringing back veteran Tracy Walker.
The 49ers released the former Lions starter Tuesday, but ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports the sides are reuniting with the aim of a Week 1 role. Walker is set to be elevated from the practice squad in time for the 49ers’ opener against the Jets.
A six-year Lions contributor, Walker joined the 49ers during training camp. The 49ers kept Hufanga, 2023 third-rounder Ji’Ayir Brown, rookie fourth-rounder Malik Mustapha and veteran special-teamer George Odum at safety. Walker being eyed for Week 1 suggests the 49ers do not expect Hufanga back in time to face the Jets.
Hufanga is returning from an ACL tear sustained on Thanksgiving night. He had targeted a return during training camp, but that did not come to pass. The 49ers considered stashing the contract-year standout on their reserve/PUP list, but the team kept him in its pre-Week 5 plans instead.
Walker made 43 starts with the Lions, being demoted last season. Detroit moved on via release in February, and Walker did not resurface with a team for nearly six months. The 49ers look to have a clear role in mind for the 29-year-old defender, whose active-roster status may well be tied to Hufanga’s recovery timetable.
Nice. Glad he got another chance. I like his overall skillset