Jimmie Ward Injury: Updates on 49ers DB's Foot and Recovery

The San Francisco 49ers defense suffered another significant hit Saturday as it was announced that rookie safety Jimmie Ward has been lost for the season.

According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, the Northern Illinois product has been placed on injured reserve with a foot ailment:

The first-round pick had started eight games for the Niners, although he previously missed their Week 7 game with a quad injury.

Although Ward's injury puts a damper on the 49ers' preparation for their Week 11 game against the New York Giants, they have made the most of the roster spot created by his transfer to injured reserve. Per 49ers.com, the team has activated pass-rusher Aldon Smith, who was suspended for the first 10 weeks of the season.

Ward has a history of foot issues as he previously had surgery on the same foot, per Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle:

With Ward on the shelf, Perrish Cox's role on the defense is expected to increase, according to Maiocco:

The Niners are already without linebacker Patrick Willis for the rest of the season and NaVorro Bowman still hasn't returned since injuring his knee in the NFC Championship game against the Seahawks, so the last thing they needed was for another defender to go down.

San Francisco is battling to remain in the NFC's playoff race at 5-4, and Ward's absence certainly won't help matters.

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