No. 5: Free Safety
The 49ers lost presumed starting free safety Jimmie Ward to a hamstring injury right at the start of training camp.
San Francisco 49ers
Ward, now on the PUP list, is week to week and could return at any time.
His injury has opened up the door for further competition, namely between third-year pro Jaquiski Tartt and undrafted rookie Lorenzo Jerome.
Jerome has been one of the Niners’ standouts during camp thus far, recording interceptions during the first two days of camp. This ballhawk ability is something San Francisco’s secondary has lacked in recent years, and there’s a good chance Jerome winds up making the roster.
Meanwhile, Tartt hasn’t exactly looked good taking over for Ward with the first-team unit, per Niners Wire’s Rob Lowder.
It’s not exactly a shock, though, as Tartt is better equipped for strong safety duties. Not over-the-top coverage.
Another player to watch here is veteran safety Vinnie Sunseri, who worked at free safety during OTAs. His roster spot could be in jeopardy if Jerome’s ascension continues.