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Jimmie Ward will not move to safety in 49ers defensive scheme

The San Francisco 49ers lost free safety Eric Reid for the season due to a torn biceps injury this past weekend. Head coach Chip Kelly said second year safety Jaquiski Tartt would get work in his place, and defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil further confirmed this on Tuesday.

Someone asked the 49ers DC if he would consider moving cornerback Jimmie Ward to free safety. Ward played safety in college, mixing it with nickel back work. Since being drafted, Trent Baalke has indicated he would eventually get some safety work. He is currently dealing with a concussion, but once he returns from that, it might have made some sense to get him time in more of the center field role.