UPDATE (1:29pm PT on Sunday): 49ers safety Jimmie Ward broke his forearm, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced after the 49ers' 27-9 loss to the Bucs on Sunday.
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TAMPA, Fla. -- Jimmie Ward sustained a forearm injury during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, placing the remainder of the safety's season and his future with the 49ers in serious doubt.
Ward, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, has a murky future because of his injury history. Last season, Ward sustained a fractured forearm that limited him to seven games.
Ward left the field Sunday for further observation, and the 49ers immediately ruled him out, suggesting a significant injury. Rookie D.J. Reed replaced Ward at free safety.
In Ward’s five-year NFL career, he has missed 24 games. The 49ers have five games remaining in the season. Ward has appeared in 51 games in his career.
San Francisco 49ers
Ward entered the NFL in 2014 as a first-round draft pick. He has seen action at nickel back, safety and cornerback throughout his career, but he never was able to lock down a starting job at any spot.