49ers CB Charvarius Ward questionable for Christmas Eve game vs. Commanders

Dec 22, 2022, 2:30 PM | Updated: 2:45 pm

Charvarius Ward #7 of the San Francisco 49ers prepares for a snap against the Seattle Seahawks duri...

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The San Francisco 49ers are looking increasingly healthy down the stretch run of the regular season, but may be without their top cornerback, Charvarius Ward, on Christmas Eve.

Ward has officially been listed as questionable for Week 16’s clash with the Washington Commanders, still in concussion protocol. The DB has been in the protocol since last Friday, suffering a blow to the head during the Seattle Seahawks game. Ward was cleared to return to the field but head coach Kyle Shanahan decided to hold him out in case of further injury.

Known as “Mooney” by teammates, the niner has been sporting a blue non-contact jersey in practice all week, progressing through the steps each day. Ward is not in the clear yet, with the team waiting until Friday to make a determination on his status for Week 16.

For first time this week during early open portion of practice, #49ers CB Charvarius Ward is wearing a blue no contact jersey. (It’s possible he wore it after media left previous two days). He’s working through concussion protocol. Will get update from Kyle Shanahan in an hour. pic.twitter.com/TICRQPn9yA

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) December 22, 2022

“Last steps,” Shanahan confirmed for Ward after practice Thursday. “But we’re not sure, we’ll have to find out tomorrow.”

Ward came over from Kansas City in the 2022 offseason, inking a three-year, $39 million contract with the Red & Gold in the spring.

Fear not though, Santa has left one more gift under the tree for the 49ers, in the form of defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.

Returning to practice for the first time this week, Shanahan expects Kinlaw to be activated off the injured reserve before Saturday’s game. The South Carolina standout has been off the field since suffering fluid buildup in his surgically-repaired knee prior to Week 4. Saving one of two remaining IR designations for the big man, the 49ers are excited to have both starters on the interior defensive line back in the fold.

“I expect him to be up. He had a real good [Wednesday] practice. No setbacks. Excited to see him out there,” his coach stated.

Meanwhile, quarterback Brock Purdy has been cleared to play this weekend after dealing with an oblique injury the last week and a half. Rookie running back Jordan Mason has a hamstring injury and is questionable for Week 16.