Jimmie Ward eligible to make 49ers season debut at Panthers
CHARLOTTE—The 49ers’ top-ranked defense can welcome back one of its captains Sunday at Carolina: defensive back Jimmie Ward.
Ward became eligible for his season debut when the 49ers (2-2) activated him off injured reserve. He missed the first four games with a hamstring strain from an Aug. 14 practice.
Offensive tackle Colton McKivitz went on IR with his left-knee sprain, and the 49ers did not resort to placing defensive tackles Arik Armstead (feet) or Javon Kinlaw (knee) on IR, even though both are out for Sunday’s game at the Panthers (1-3).
Akeem Spence was promoted from the practice squad as a defensive-line reinforcement behind probable starters Kevin Givens and Hassan Ridgeway.
Also up from the practice squad are running back Tevin Coleman and special-teams ace Malik Turner, who’s been elevated a third time already this season.
Ward’s spot at free safety has been impressively filled by veteran Tashaun Gipson Sr. alongside breakout star Talanoa Hufanga.
“Hopefully they have me back in the rotation, however they do it. I trust the coaching staff,” Ward said Wednesday. “I’ll be sitting on the sideline looking pretty and itching to hit somebody, or cover somebody.
“I’m very eager. But I don’t think the defense needs me right now. What are we, No. 1. They don’t need me. They can keep me clean until they need me.”