| | SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco cornerback Darnell
Walker, who suffered through a brutal outing in the 49ers' loss at
St. Louis, lost his starting job Monday.
Secondary coach Greg Brown informed Walker of his demotion
before Monday's light workout.
Walker will be replaced at left cornerback by R.W. McQuarters,
the team's first-round draft pick in 1998. He started seven games
last season but finished the year as a reserve.
McQuarters, who has played primarily on special teams and as a
nickel back this season, welcomed the opportunity to get on the
field full-time.
"Now's my chance. I've got to go out there and make big
plays," he said.
Walker, who was coming back from a hamstring injury, was burned
for three of Isaac Bruce's four touchdown catches in the Rams'
42-20 victory Sunday. Walker also drew a pass interference penalty
when he was beaten by Bruce on another occasion.
"You just have days like that. You don't expect to have them.
You don't plan on having them. I just had a day," Walker said.
"Sometimes, stuff happens. I may lose a battle or two, but I'm not
going to lose the war."
Meanwhile, defensive end Marvin Washington faces season-ending
surgery Tuesday to repair a ruptured quadriceps tendon. He was
injured Sunday.
Running back Travis Jervey, whose recovery from a broken left
ankle has been clouded by complications, also faces surgery Tuesday
to remove some calcium deposits.
Jervey, a free agent from Green Bay, has played sparingly
because of the continuing problem with his ankle, which he
fractured 10 months ago. The latest operation will be his third
since the break but he's hopeful it will finally take care of the
problem.
"I'm excited to get this thing fixed and give them their
money's worth," Jervey said.
Cornerback Craig Newsome sustained his second concussion in as
many weeks and his status for Sunday's game against Carolina is
uncertain.
Offensive linemen Derrick Deese, Chris Dalman and Dave Fiore all
are nursing knee injuries but are expected to play against the
Panthers. Wide receiver Terrell Owens has a high ankle sprain and
will spend part of the week in a walking cast but he's going to try
to go Sunday. | |
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