SANTA CLARA–It wasn’t exactly a secret that 49ers’ safety Jimmie Ward would be out of the lineup for the team’s season opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Now, it’s official.
Ward, who was listed as doubtful on Friday, highlights the 49ers’ list of inactives for their first contest under new head coach Kyle Shanahan, as San Francisco will be forced to start either Jaquiski Tartt or undrafted free agent Lorenzo Jerome in Ward’s spot at free safety.
Ward is joined on the inactive list by rookie cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, veteran linebacker Aaron Lynch, linebacker Pita Taumoepenu, tackle John Theus, guard Laken Tomlinson and wide receiver Victor Bolden.
The 49ers traded for Tomlinson 10 days ago with the goal of preparing him to contribute early in the season as a guard, but the former first round draft pick of the Detroit Lions won’t play against the Panthers. Instead, Zane Beadles and Brandon Fusco are expected to start at guard, with undrafted rookie free agent Erik Magnuson providing depth on the interior of the offensive line.
Rookie tight end George Kittle was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game earlier this week, but the fifth round draft pick out of Iowa is now expected to play.
#49ers inactives for #CARvsSF pic.twitter.com/3gtr0nqNvB
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 10, 2017