49ers’ GM John Lynch Says Jimmie Ward Will Miss First 4 Weeks of the Regular Season

San Francisco 49ers’ general manager John Lynch announced prior to the team’s preseason finale that starting safety Jimmie Ward would be put on short-term IR, missing the first four games of the regular season. Lynch made the announcement during an interview with Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football.

Former 49ers’ cornerback Richard Sherman asked how important the team’s secondary depth would be this season, when the front office personnel revealed the bad news.

John Lynch regarding Jimmie Ward’s injury: “We think he’ll be on the short-term IR to start the season” BIG blow for the 49ers to start the year.

— Amiliano “Amil” Fragoso (@AmilianoFragoso) August 25, 2022

“We think he’ll be on the short-term IR to start the season,” Lynch said.

Due to league rules, Ward will now miss the first four games. The team kicks off the season against the Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams. Currently behind Jimmie Ward on the depth chart: George Odum, Tarvarius Moore, Tayler Hawkins, and Tashaun Gipson Sr.

The move allows more flexibility to the Red & Gold, but leaves them without one of their leaders on the defensive side of the ball. Lynch further elaborated on Ward’s importance, calling him the “heart and soul” of the unit.

Ward, 31, was a first-round draft pick in 2014, spending his entire career in the Bay Area. He is entering the final year of a three-year, $28.5 million deal.

A tough break for the San Francisco 49ers before the regular season even starts.

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