Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers player stock watch halfway through 2018 preseason

By Peter Panacy

HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 18: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to break a tackle attempt by Zach Cunningham #41 of the Houston Texans during a preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 18: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to break a tackle attempt by Zach Cunningham #41 of the Houston Texans during a preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys is pushed out of bounds by Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys is pushed out of bounds by Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Cornerback Jimmie Ward

One player the 49ers hope won’t be starting in 2018 is fifth-year defensive back Jimmie Ward.

A hamstring injury to veteran cornerback Richard Sherman has forced Ward into preseason starting duties, which isn’t bad, per se. Ward needs the reps after moving back from safety entering this season.

The problem, however, is Ward hasn’t looked good over two games. At all.

Ward’s coverage gaffe on the Cowboys’ opening drive in Week 1 of the preseason resulted in a 30-yard touchdown reception by rookie wideout Michael Gallup:

Remember? The one which Ward completely stopped in coverage?

Ward didn’t bounce back in Houston. No, instead he allowed Texans wide receiver Bruce Ellington to nab a 37-yard reception, which ultimately led to Houston tying the game at seven apiece in the first quarter.

The problem is San Francisco picked up Ward’s fully guaranteed fifth-year option for 2018. If cut, he’d be due the full $8.526 million owed to him. Financially, it wouldn’t make sense at all. And Ward’s early issues, combined with his hefty salary, all but negate other teams’ interest in a possible trade with the 49ers.

In all likelihood, the Niners are stuck with Ward this season. For better or worse, and right now it’s worse.

Stock: Down