San Francisco 49ers: Top position battles to watch in Week 2 of training camp

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 11: LaMichael James #23 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during Rookie Minincamp at the San Francisco 49ers practice facility on May 11, 2012 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 11: LaMichael James #23 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during Rookie Minincamp at the San Francisco 49ers practice facility on May 11, 2012 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
2 of 6
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 28: Lorenzo Jerome MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 28: Lorenzo Jerome #22 of the North team intercepts the ball as O.J. Howard #88 of the South team defends during the first half of the Reese’s Senior Bowl at the Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 28, 2017 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 28: Lorenzo Jerome MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 28: Lorenzo Jerome #22 of the North team intercepts the ball as O.J. Howard #88 of the South team defends during the first half of the Reese’s Senior Bowl at the Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 28, 2017 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

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
San Francisco 49ers

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.

Schedule