Over the weekend Nate Byham suffered what appeared to be a serious injury his leg. He was on crutches on Sunday and now we finally have word about the severity of his injury. According to his agent, Byham suffered a torn ACL and will likely be out for the season. Byham will undergo surgery at Stanford Hospital in two weeks.
The injury leaves Colin Cloherty and undrafted free agent Konrad Reuland competing for the third tight end role behind Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. While Davis and Walker are significant weapons in the 49ers offense, the new Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman offense is expected to make significant use of the tight ends.
Cloherty has one career reception in two pro seasons and was activated by the 49ers for the final two games of the 2010 season. Reuland has the benefit of having worked with Jim Harbaugh extensively at Stanford. The 49ers have plenty of cap room so it is possible they will bring in another body to compete for that third tight end position.