NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the 49ers have agreed to a 3-year, $28.5 million deal with S Jimmie Ward. The 28-year-old -- until mid-July -- is coming off the healthiest and strongest season among his 1st 6 in the league. In addition to staying on the field, Ward also settled in to a higher percentage of safety snaps than he played in 2018. Ward combines that role with some valuable slot-corner exposure to present IDP upside beyond last year's mediocre production.

The 49ers plan to place S Jimmie Ward on short-term IR, and he's expected to miss at least 4 games. GM John Lynch announced the plan Thursday night, for a hamstring injury that HC Kyle Shanahan had previously deemed "significant."

Niners S Jimmie Ward is dealing with a hamstring injury. According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, HC Kyle Shanahan called it "worse than others" and said Ward is in danger of missing Week 1. It's not a big storyline for IDP purposes, but Ward has a place in deep leagues. His absence would be a slight knock on the team defense as well.

Niners S Jimmie Ward (quad) is active for tonight's game against the Rams. He returns after missing Week 9 with the injury.

Niners S Jimmie Ward (quad) is active for today's game against the Seahawks. He'll take his position back from Tarvarius Moore and carries upside against pass-heavy Seattle.

49ers S Jimmie Ward (hamstring) is active and will make his season debut today against the Seahawks. He sat out the opener with the injury. Ward will carry upside at full strength, but it's too soon to trust him in IDP lineups -- especially in a negative matchup for DB scoring. His return casts doubt on Jaquiski Tartt's usability in IDP lineups as well.