Niner Noise
FanSided

Analyzing 49ers safety group post 53-man cut

By Matt Stephenson

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 02: Chris Carson #32 of the Seattle Seahawks tries to avoid a tackle by Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first half at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 02: Chris Carson #32 of the Seattle Seahawks tries to avoid a tackle by Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first half at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Jimmie Ward

When it comes to Jimmie Ward, there’s not much to say that Niners fans don’t already know.

When Ward is healthy, he can be an impact player and, at times, play with the best of the them. Something that led to Lynch re-signing him during the offseason to a one-year deal worth $5 million.

However, it’s those inconsistencies and long injury history which keep bringing Ward down. Ward has ended the season on injured reserve more often than not, with an inability to stay healthy for the entire season.

After another injury-plagued season in 2018, Ward fractured his collarbone during training camp, which saw him miss the majority of the preseason.

Given his lengthy injury history, he was seen by most fans as a player the Niners were unlikely to re-sign. However, with Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch both praising Ward’s ability when he is healthy, it’s not really that big a surprise.

Incredibly, since the 49ers drafted him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Ward has only played in 51 out of a possible 80 regular-season games. That’s practically two whole seasons Ward has been sidelined during his career.

The 2018 season saw Ward play in nine games where he recorded a combined 24 tackles, including one forced fumble. If he is able to stay healthy, Ward has the capacity to produce some solid numbers.