Harris Out - Staley In

Former 2003 first round pick tackle Kwame Harris (right, #77), may miss the next 2 months recovering from back spasms suffered during offseason O.T.A.'s (Organized Team Activities). After failing to solidify himself as a franchise left tackle, Harris has floundered as an undisciplined and unreliable right tackle. Harris' injury opens the door for rookie Joe Staley (left) to get reps with the first unit.

This latest turn of events bode well for the 49ers and their fans. Staley should capitalize on this opportunity and establish himself as the starter at right tackle. The team sacrificed a lot to acquire Staley -- a former Central Michigan standout -- with the 28th overall pick of this year's draft, giving up a 2008 first-rounder and a fourth-round choice in last April's draft to the New England Patriots .

This bold draft-day move demonstrates the team's lack of confidence in Harris, whose playing time has reached escalators in his contract that voided the final two years of his deal and increased his 2007 base salary to over $2 million. That's a stroke of good luck for the Niners. The team should try to trade him, if anyone will take him. Harris' trade value declines daily, and the addition of Staley only weakens the 49ers' leverage. This will likely be Harris' last season in San Francisco. Moving forward, the 49ers should expect Staley to anchor their offensive line for the years to come.