Walt Harris Tears ACL, Likely Out For Entire Season

We haven't even gotten to training camp, but teams are already losing players for the 2009 season. Veteran 49ers cornerback Walt Harris tore his right ACL during practice on Tuesday and will likely miss the entire season, according to Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

The injury occurred when Harris got tangled up with the wide receiver Dominique Ziegler during a drill. The Niners aren't ready to rule him out for the entire campaign, but the odds are against seeing Harris on the field again this season. Or any season.

Harris was entering his 14th NFL season, a long run for any player, and turns 35 this summer. He has no contract for 2010, which means he'll have to first prove that he's physically able to play before proving that he's a better option than any number of younger, fitter players on the market.

The 49ers aren't particularly deep at corner. Tarell Brown will likely get the first chance at replacing Harris in the starting lineup, but has only started one game in his two years as a professional. Shawntae Spencer is more experienced, but he missed the final 14 games of 2008 with an ACL tear of his own and hasn't been cleared to start practicing yet this season.

There are a couple of interesting free agent options should the 49ers go that route. Chris McAlister and Mike McKenzie were released by the Ravens and Saints, respectively, this offseason. Each is a seasoned veteran with many good seasons under his belt, but each also missed significant time during the 2008 season with injuries.