The San Francisco 49ers placed Nate Byham on waivers today. The tight end formerly held the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. The 49ers made Byham their 6th round selection in 2010, but it is a new regime under Jim Harbaugh.
Unfortuately for Byham, he suffered a torn ACL this time last year and missed the 2011 season. This opened a window for Justin Peele to come aboard. Byham, 6'4", played only 14 games for the Niners, but this does not mean the end for him.
There is the chance that he clears waivers and the 49ers would be able to place Byham on IR. The third year tight end has been unable to practice the past couple weeks as it appears he had re-aggravated the injury. However, this move also goes to show the team's comfort with the tight ends in camp now.
The current standout competing at the position in camp has been Demarcus Dobbs, however we have not had a significant chance to see him compete at the position in preseason yet. Behind him, the 49ers have Konrad Reuland, Garrett Celek and recent addition Joe Sawyer.