49ers CB Charvarius Ward pops up on injury report with heel issue

With the 2023 NFL season rapidly approaching, the 49ers seem slated to be full strength entering Week 1. Well, not so fast.

The San Francisco 49ers saw two key members of the secondary miss practice Thursday: Starting cornerback Charvarius Ward (heel) and All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga (personal matter). Of the two absences, the former’s is much more concerning, with this being a new injury and all.

Known as “Mooney,” Ward has been on and off of the practice field for most of the preseason, dealing with a tight abductor all August. Now dealing with this heel injury, it’s safe to assume the 49ers are taking every precaution for their star CB to suit up this Sunday.

#49ers Thurs. participation:

DNP: S Talanoa Hufanga (personal matter), CB Charvarius Ward (heel)

Limited: DE Nick Bosa (resting), LB Oren Burks (knee), S Tashaun Gipson (back), TE George Kittle (groin), RB Jordan Mason (foot), WR Ray-Ray McCloud (wrist), K Jake Moody (quad)

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 7, 2023

“Mooney had a little thing that came up yesterday. But I’m feeling pretty confident he’s going to be alright,” coach Kyle Shanahan said on KNBR Thursday regarding Ward’s status for Week 1.

“I’m not concerned,” defensive coordinator Steve Wilks added about his cornerback.

Joining Charvarius Ward is Hufanga, who missed Thursday’s session to tend to a personal matter. The standout secondary member has also been dealing with a Baker’s cyst in his knee for the last month, playing through the injury for the most part.

Joining the defensive duo on the injury report is a lengthy list of players, including pass rusher Nick Bosa. His designation is not injury-related however, returning to the practice field for the first Thursday after a long contract holdout.

Other players listed as limited include tight end George Kittle (groin), safety Tashaun Gipson (back), kicker Jake Moody (quad) and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (wrist). All players who were limited seem to be trending towards playing in Week 1’s clash with the Steelers.

On a day meant for celebration, the injury bug continues to damper the party for the 49ers.

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