The 49ers made a somewhat unexpected gamble this offseason when their only significant move at safety was the re-signing of former first-round pick Jimmie Ward. That move ensured San Francisco would work with effectively the same group of safeties that last season anchored one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses.
Ward’s play at various positions in the secondary has been less problematic over his career than his sordid injury history. He’s managed to play in just 51 of a possible 80 games, and finished the last three years on Injured Reserve. Those health concerns were the biggest risk in re-signing him with the hopes he could start at free safety. That made the broken collarbone he suffered during OTAs Thursday all the more worrisome, but the 49ers aren’t in a position to back out of their bet now.
It would’ve been understandable had the 49ers immediately gone out in search of another safety and called off their sixth season with Ward. However, Ward underwent surgery Friday and is in line to return at or near the start of training camp. A full preseason in a familiar defense is plenty of time for Ward to prepare for the 2019 season.
Panicking with the addition of another safety would’ve been an early admission of defeat for a 49ers front office that had a chance to sign a safety even before they brought Ward back. The coaching staff clearly believes in the 27-year-old despite his history of medical obstacles. It wouldn’t make sense that to punt on him after an injury that isn’t likely to cut into his regular season.
After all, that’s why they acquired Ward. They want him healthy for the regular season, and their gamble is in getting him for 16 games. An injury in OTAs isn’t ideal, but it’s far from enough to get the 49ers to go in a direction they were set on going from the start of free agency. They confirmed their dedication to that direction by not addressing the position in the draft.
Ward’s one-year contract is an indicator that the 49ers aren’t turning a blind eye to his injury history. He’s played just one 16-game season since entering the NFL five years ago.
On the other hand, they’re not going to turn back on their plan because of an injury in May. There’s unlikely to be another free agent safety added, and Ward will get every chance to earn a starting job once he returns.
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