The San Francisco 49ers have a fairly mild injury report heading into Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, and one notable player might be eyeing a return to the active list.
A little less than a week after the San Francisco 49ers lost rookie linebacker Reuben Foster to a high-ankle sprain, the Niners get to travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in Week 2.
Foster, who will be out for at least a few weeks, will be missed against San Francisco’s division rival.
The Niners’ first-round NFL Draft pick didn’t partake in practice this week, which isn’t a shocker. But he is listed on the team’s injury report:
| Name | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Designation |
| LB 56 Reuben Foster | Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| TE 85 George Kittle | Hamstring, Calf | LP | FP | FP | Probable |
| T 74 Joe Staley | Not Injury Related | DNP | FP | FP | Probable |
| DB 25 Jimmie Ward | Hamstring | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
In Foster’s absence, the 49ers placed veteran linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong at the SAM position. While San Francisco signed rookie linebacker Elijah Lee off the Minnesota Vikings practice squad earlier this week, it’s likely Armstrong remains the starter against Seattle.
Armstrong finished the day with a 31.3 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus.
San Francisco 49ers
Rookie tight end George Kittle, also finished out the week as a full participant. He has been nursing a hamstring injury since the preseason but managed to see 54 snaps against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1.
There’s no reason to assume he, or left tackle Joe Staley (knee), will be inactive in Week 2.
Safety Jimmie Ward Close to Returning
San Francisco’s secondary has lacked a key piece to its defense since training camp debuted in July.
Veteran safety Jimmie Ward has been absent ever since the start of the program, and his starting spot was held by third-year pro Jaquiski Tartt against Carolina.
Tartt did manage one of the most impressive interceptions we’ve seen in some time, although there were a number of mistakes — a missed tackle on a touchdown and a costly penalty — that create some concern for him moving forward.
Ideally, Tartt is a better fit at strong safety down towards the box. Not at free safety, where he’s the last line of defense.
This is where Ward excels, and there’s a good chance he could return in Week 2, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News:
In contrast, though, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reported “it would be a surprise” if Ward actually winds up starting.
This makes sense, as Ward hasn’t seen any reps since minicamps earlier this offseason. It’s not likely defensive coordinator Robert Saleh works Ward into the defense at 100 percent right away. If Ward does play, it’s likely going to be limited action at most.
So that means Tartt and rookie Lorenzo Jerome probably wind up seeing the majority of snaps over the course of the game.
Next: 5 roster tweaks 49ers can make versus Seahawks
The Niners and Seahawks kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.