49ers may be without top cornerback in Week 3 matchup against Rams

Just as one top 49ers defensive back is returning, another is dealing with an injury of their own.

The San Francisco 49ers are going to be missing several key offensive playmakers this week against the Los Angeles Rams. That said, the defense was expecting to get a big boost from the return of safety Talanoa Hufanga. Hufanga appears to be on the verge of returning to the field for the first time since suffering a torn ACL last season. However, it seems that the status of one of the Niners' other top defensive backs is now in question.

49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward did not practice on Thursday with a hamstring injury and is expected to be listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Ward has been San Francisco’s top cornerback since he joined the team in 2022 and has been one of the best defensive backs in the league. Last season, Ward led the NFL with 23 passes defended, reached the Pro Bowl, and was an AP second-team All-Pro.

Kyle’s update, 2:02 p.m. PT: Here’s the final injury report:

WR Deebo Samuel - Out

TE George Kittle - Doubtful

DL Nick Bosa - Questionable

CB Charvarius Ward - Questionable

Bosa was added to the injury report with a rib injury.

The 49ers are currently heavy favorites (-275) over the Rams (+225) to win the game at the FanDuel Sportsbook. The Rams may not be incredibly well-suited to capitalize on Ward’s absence since one of their own top playmakers (Cooper Kupp) is expected to be out for multiple weeks with an injury of his own, but 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen would nonetheless be in much better shape with Ward on the field.

Despite a Week 2 loss to the Vikings, the 49ers remain a favorite pick among gamblers, who have pushed the point spread in favor of San Francisco by 6.5 points. Even with several key players missing and others in question, the 49ers are still the reigning NFC Champs facing a winless Rams squad.