SANTA CLARA — Cornerback Charvarius Ward, the 49ers’ high offseason acquisition, gained’t debut in his No. 35 jersey this preseason.
However a groin pressure shouldn't sideline him for the Sept. 11, regular-season opener at Chicago.
“He had a little bit setback right here with a muscle pressure, so he’ll be out the subsequent two weeks or so,” coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned on KNBR 680-AM earlier than Wednesday’s follow.
“He’s gotten sufficient baseline in to the place his camp’s been excellent, and no less than now I do know he’s not going to get a severe harm the subsequent two weeks, and he’ll be able to go Week 1.”
Fellow beginning cornerback Emmanuel Moseley missed the previous two practices with a hamstring pressure, so anticipate to see an array of younger cornerbacks when the 49ers open their preseason Friday night time in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers and Jordan Love, who’ll begin at quarterback rather than an idle Aaron Rodgers.
Via 11 practices, Ward certainly has regarded “higher than marketed,” as Shanahan mentioned.
Ward, after 4 seasons with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, participated briefly within the 49ers’ offseason program earlier than a leg problem sidelined him. He’s been out and in of practices via camp, however he began Tuesday’s session, with Ka’Dar Hollman lining up at proper cornerback rather than Moseley.
Deommodore Lenoir and Ambry Thomas, a pair of 2021 draft picks, have seen a heavy workload in camp, as have Samuel Womack III and Tariq Castro-Fields, a pair of 2022 picks.
“It (stinks) when guys are out and lacking time, however for guys behind them, that is your alternative: step up and showcase what you are able to do and what worth you may add to our workforce,” defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans mentioned. “Numerous guys are competing for spots on our workforce. What a possibility for guys to step up and personal it and take it.”
Shanahan mentioned on KNBR that Ward was the highest cornerback they focused “proper there on the high” in free company, for good cause. “We struggled in that space final yr, having to usher in vets (Josh Norman) after which placing in rookies who weren’t fairly prepared,”
The 49ers have had a comparatively wholesome camp, except for season-ending harm to defensive sort out Maurice Hurst and tight finish Jordan Matthews.
ROSTER MOVES
After Shanahan’s interview however earlier than follow Wednesday morning, the 49ers introduced that they've signed cornerback Ken Crawley, who’s performed six seasons with the Saints and Dolphins since going undrafted out of Colorado in 2016.
He performed six video games with New Orleans final season.
To make room for Crawley, the 49ers waived/injured security Leon O’Neal, who that they had signed in Might as an undrafted free agent from Texas A&M.