Injuries continue to pile up for San Francisco.
The 49ers (3-2) defense was without several starters as it began preparations for a week six matchup with the Atlanta Falcons (2-3).
Despite the loss of Jimmie Ward for the first four games during training, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has been able to navigate his group to the top of the NFL.
Since the beginning of the season Ward has been joined on the sideline by Azeez Al-Shaair, Arik Armstead, and Javon Kinlaw. Each of the three has missed a pair of games during the early going.
During Sunday’s victory in Carolina, Ryans saw Nick Bosa leave at halftime with a tight groin.