4 changes SF 49ers should make to roster before Week 3 vs. Giants

No. 2: SF 49ers should move Jimmie Ward to cornerback, start Tarvarius Moore at free safety

One of the great things about defensive back Jimmie Ward is how versatile he is, having played both safety spots, boundary and nickel cornerback over his six-year career in San Francisco.

Now, this wouldn’t be a long-term solution, only one to alleviate the dwindling number of days until veteran corner Richard Sherman can return off short-term IR, which would be in Week 5 at the soonest.

Yet it’s clear the SF 49ers’ interim replacement for Sherman, Ahkello Witherspoon, isn’t cutting it. Even against a lackluster Jets passing offense, Witherspoon allowed five receptions on six targets — the most for any Niners defender in Week 2 — and gave up 81 yards and New York’s lone touchdown, all for a perfect passer rating of 158.3 when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus.

Now, veteran cornerback Jason Verrett could be an option here. But he’s nursing his way back from a hamstring injury suffered late in training camp, and the stronger, safer option would be starting Ward instead.

And to alleviate Ward’s absence, the likeliest of moves to get through Week 3 would be to insert backup safety Tarvarius Moore.

The Giants, probably short wide receiver Sterling Shepard (toe), also don’t possess a prolific passing attack and won’t be a threat to overwhelm San Francisco’s defense despite the injuries.

But to get by, Ward should be named the boundary cornerback in place of Witherspoon.