Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers training camp: 6 biggest risers and fallers so far

By Robert Smith

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 23: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in drills during 49ers Rookie Minicamp on May 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 23: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in drills during 49ers Rookie Minicamp on May 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 11: Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers sacks Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 11: Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers sacks Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Jimmie Ward: Faller

No matter how much talent you have or how well you have played previously, injuries can keep a player from ever maximizing their full potential.

Jimmie Ward’s stock is falling based on his inability to stay healthy. He missed five games last year and eight games his rookie season. For a player who was taken 30th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, the 49ers have yet to get their money’s worth from him.

With a new defense being installed and a position change for Ward, he cannot afford any setbacks that keep him from being on the field.

A continued presence on the injury list means UDFA Lorenzo Jerome and Chanceller James will see increased reps with the first-string defense, especially with Eric Reid and Jaquiski Tartt also sidelined with injuries.

Hopefully they all get healthy, because currently the back end of the defense is very thin at the safety position.

And with a new season, a fresh start and 53 new players on the roster, any setbacks could spell an extended stay on the sideline for a player who is unavailable due to injury.