SANTA CLARA – Jimmie Ward’s status for Week 1 is in question due to a fractured finger sustained in practice on Wednesday.
The setback is another in a long line of injuries, especially broken bones, Ward has sustained since coming to the 49ers as a first-round draft pick in 2014.
Ward sustained season-ending fractured forearms the past two years – after sustaining fractures to his foot and shoulder earlier in his career. He missed most of training camp this summer after sustaining a fractured collarbone in the offseason.
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SIGN UP HERE “Jimmie -- I stand it – I do believe if Jimmie can through a 16-game season, the whole world will see how good he is,” 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “He’s a very special talent. He can play corner. He can play nickel. He can play free safety. He can do all of it.”
Tarvarius Moore appears to be in line to start in the 49ers’ season opener on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. K’Waun Williams is likely to play nickel back.
“T -Moore has been doing a great job and showed he’s earned the right to go out there and play,” Saleh said.
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Veteran cornerback Richard Sherman said Ward is a “strong guy” and seems to be dealing with his recent injury.
“Unfortunately, he broke his finger, but I think he’ll be fine,” Sherman said. “I think he’s mentally where he needs to be. I don’t think he’s down-and-out about this. He’s been through harder things in his life than a few injuries. He’s a guy you expect to come back better than ever.
“It’s just unfortunate he ran into this piece of adversity heading into Tampa.”