Nate

Byham

After tearing his ACL early in training camp, Byham was running wind sprints by mid-season. If Byham makes the roster, it will be as a blocking specialist behind Vernon Davis.

“It’s not even an issue anymore,” Byham added. “It feels great.” The 2010 sixth-rounder will vie for a roster spot as a blocking specialist this summer.

Recovering from ACL surgery, Byham participated early in training camp before requiring surgery Tuesday to repair a “frayed” meniscus in his left knee.

A blocking specialist drafted by the 49ers in 2010, Byham will be the fourth tight end on the Bucs roster. He’s reunited with TEs coach Brian Angelichio, who helped Byham earn All-Big East honors at Pitt.

Promoted off the practice squad 364 days ago, Byham caught six passes in 15 games for the Bucs. The Bucs are extremely thin at tight end as they wait for Tom Crabtree (high-ankle sprain) to return.

Byham, 26, spent the previous two seasons playing for the Bucs and coach Greg Schiano. He caught six passes for 56 yards and one touchdown in 15 games played for Tampa Bay. Primarily a blocker, Byham will compete for a spot.

He lasted four days on the 90-man roster.

Beat writer Stephen Holder is giving the nod to Stocker based on his experience in the offense and his draft position. Tom Crabtree will likely give Stocker his biggest challenge, but the Bucs reportedly internally believe both Danny Noble and Nate Byham have “legitimate upside.” Even if Stocker wins the job, he isn’t a very intriguing fantasy prospect in redraft leagues.

He’ll placed on injured reserve, ending his season. A 2010 sixth-round pick, Byham caught five passes for 27 yards in 14 games last season. He was ticketed for a blocking tight end and special teams role before the injury. Colin Cloherty and rookie Konrad Reuland will compete for the third tight end job.

Byham is a solid blocker, but wasn’t much of a receiving threat at Pitt playing behind Dorin Dickerson. With Vernon Davis establishing himself as one of the most dangerous pass-catching tight ends in the game, Byham’s role will be similar to his in college if he can move up the depth chart in camp.