The injury bug has hit the 49ers early.
Defensive back Jimmie Ward is the latest expected to sit out minicamp. According to a report from NFL Media, which cited unidentified league sources, Ward fractured his collarbone Thursday.
While there is no timetable for his return, the report noted, the standard recovery time is anywhere from eight to 12 weeks.
#49ers S Jimmie Ward did, in fact, fracture his collarbone, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. Out for the rest of the spring, though his exact timetable is not yet clear.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 23, 2019
Ward, who is entering his sixth season in the NFL, sustained the injury while diving for a ball in OTAs.
#49ers S Jimmie Ward suffered a shoulder injury while diving for a ball in OTAs today and the fear is he broke his collarbone, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Ward headed for X-rays and a full evaluation.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 23, 2019
It's the most recent injury for San Francisco, which is already without rookie pass rusher Nick Bosa, who suffered a grade-1 hamstring strain this week, and running back Matt Breida, who tore his pectoral muscle in the weight room before OTAs. Both are also expected to miss minicamp.
Ward, 27, has had a string of injuries since he was selected by the 49ers as the 30th overall pick in the 2014 draft.
He has been placed on injured reserve four out of the last five seasons, including his rookie year. Ward's only complete season was in 2015.