Defensive Back, Jimmie Ward

It’s still unknown what’s going to happen to the versatile defensive back. Last season, Ward was touted as the team’s “eraser” and face of the 49ers secondary. Now, the secondary is stacked with so much talent that they don’t have a place for him anymore.

Adrian Colbert took Ward’s place as the single high safety with his late-season surge. Ward’s former high school teammate, Jaquiski Tartt, is the bonafide starter at strong safety. New 49ers cornerback, Richard Sherman, is starting on one side, and Ahkello Witherspoon is on the opposite side. And K’Waun Williams mans the nickel corner position.

He didn’t do much to show why he should have a starting job in the secondary when he was burned on a 30-yard touchdown against Michael Gallup last week. However, he has a chance to bounce back this week. What better way to do that than by shutting down one of the best receivers in the league in DeAndre Hopkins?

And to his credit, he seems to already have him in check before their game on Saturday night.

Today in NFL fights, Deandre Hopkins and Jimmie Ward get after it

(via @alexradow) pic.twitter.com/MwtNEKXQSP

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 15, 2018

Let’s see if he can keep this up for the 49ers by then. Because if he can, then he’s guaranteed a roster spot.