SANTA CLARA – The 49ers on Sunday began getting some return on the investment in defensive back Jimmie Ward, the team’s 2014 first-round draft pick.
After playing a combined 54 snaps in the first three games of the season, Ward was on the field Sunday for 62 snaps in the 49ers’ 17-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Only five players on the entire 49ers’ defense played more than Ward, who experienced a solid day while playing the slot receiver for most of the game. Ward was targeted six times, resulting in four pass receptions for just 38 yards.