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Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Walt Harris will undergo surgery on his right knee in the coming weeks. Harris, as reported, suffered a torn ACL and will likely miss the remainder of the year.

Mancini’s Take: This is a big blow to the Niner defense, but one could be overcome since it happened in May and not in late October. Tarrell Brown is ready to step up to the challenge, and has done well when previously called upon. Also, San Francisco has also expressed interest in bringing in Dre Bly. With this injury to Harris, the team loses a clutch performer, who’s been remarkably durable and consistent throughout the years. The 34-year-old, however, has slowed down during the past couple of years, and, much like the rest of his fellow defensive backs, hasn’t made many plays recently. While this loss is a setback, it shouldn’t be viewed as a crippling one.

Mandel's Take: Uh oh. Sure, there's time to find some cover for this injury, but come on Rev--who's giving defensive backs away at this point? Perhaps your Jets can trade Donald Strickland back to the Niners? Mike Singletary's defense is now going to start Tarrell Brown--at least until Shawntae Spencer recovers from injury--opposite Nate Clements. Tarrell Brown isn't a starting DB in the NFL. Harris' leadership and ability will be missed in equal parts and if they have to bring Dre Bly in, the Niners are going to be yielding a whole lot of passing yards. They were in the bottom half of the league in pass defense last season and could ill-afford this setback.

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