Which 49ers DB Needs to Step Up in Jimmie Ward’s Absence?

The San Francisco 49ers suffered a key loss to their defense in Seattle. Starting cornerback Jimmie Ward was helped off the field after suffering a non-contact injury during kickoff coverage. If Ward is sidelined, who will be the next man up and how can he contribute to the 49ers’ struggling secondary?

Jimmie Ward has been one of the most reliable assets to the 49ers defense in 2016. The 2014 first-round pick and converted safety won the starting cornerback job this offseason and has not looked back since.

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Unfortunately, the injury Ward suffered in Week 3 will be a setback and could sideline the CB for a period of time. The diagnosis is better than expected (strained quadriceps). However the team should not expect Ward to be available Week 4 and play full strength in the near future.

The 49ers’ secondary has a tough task on its hands this week against the Dallas Cowboys and proven-rookie quarterback Dak Prescott. However, one silver lining to the matchup is wide receiver Dez Bryant is questionable while also dealing with an injury (knee hairline fracture) that could render him as an ineffective target this Sunday.

The 49ers have allowed a total of 764 yards passing this season, which ranks in the middle of the pack (14th) compared to the rest of the league. Aside from the matchup against Kelvin Benjamin and the Carolina Panthers in Week 2, Ward has been one the main reasons the secondary ranks in the mid-upper echelon.

There is currently no set timetable for Ward’s recovery period. But the team must have a “next man up” mentality heading into the next four weeks prior to their bye (Week 8).

Top Candidates to Replace Ward

No. 1: Keith Reaser

Keith Reaser saw the most snaps in Week 3 after Ward’s injury and will look to compete in practice to start opposite of Tramaine Brock. Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil has stated that both Reaser and Rashard Robinson will play key roles this upcoming Sunday.

Reaser should have the upper edge over Robinson with more NFL experience. Yet experience can be overshadowed by other traits. Reaser was drafted in 2014 (fifth round) by the 49ers just as Ward was the same year. So they have been through the highs and lows together.

Reaser attended Florida Atlantic University (FAU) where he was a proven leader and defensive presence on the team. Unfortunately, Reaser suffered a torn ACL in 2013 that would bring his college football career to an abrupt halt.

Some of the motivation Reaser evoked during his rehabilitation process may be partially due to watching his cousin Sean Taylor play on Sundays. After the tragic passing of Taylor in 2007, Reaser has been quoted saying that he is inspired to play the game after looking up to Taylor and his unshakable work ethic.

Reaser would eventually join the 49ers during his recovery as one of general manager Trent Baalke’s infamous ACL-injury draft picks. After appearing in 13 games last season and playing a key role in 2016, Reaser could see himself lining up against Bryant and company a lot this weekend.

No. 2: Rashard Robinson

Robinson was the 49ers fourth-round selection (pick 133) in 2016 and has already been a key contributor on defense. It is fairly rare to see a late-round rookie CB thrown into action in his first season. But Robinson defies such infrequency.

The reason for being such a prominent contributor in 2016 is that Robinson was undeniably one of the best press corners in this year’s draft but was overlooked due to character issues. Robinson played two seasons for the LSU Tigers prior to being kicked off the team midway through the 2015 college football season.

The reason for his dismissal from the team was due to a failed drug test and poor academic standards. His talent on the football field was something teammates and coaches praised him on. Yet the main struggles he faced were off the field.

Robinson’s college career compares closely to former LSU standout Tyrann Mathieu. Mathieu was also kicked off the football team for a failed drug test, but now this seems to be forgotten. The Arizona Cardinals safety made his first Pro Bowl appearance last season and was named first-team All-Pro safety.

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Mathieu also signed a five-year, $62.5 million contract extension this offseason and has become a cornerstone to the Cardinals franchise. Mathieu and Robinson both had different college careers, in regard to statistics and contributions. Yet the striking similarities only provide a prime example for how Robinson can succeed in the NFL.

If Robinson is able to mirror Mathieu’s NFL journey and live up to the high praise from LSU alumni like Patrick Peterson, the 21-year-old rookie can cement himself as a stalwart piece to the 49ers defensive puzzle.

Next: Cowboys vs. 49ers: 5 Matchups to Watch for San Francisco

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.