The San Francisco 49ers continued their preparations for the season opener with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, and did so with a familiar face back at practice but also with a new concern to think about. 

Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, fresh from agreeing a contract extension that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, practiced on a side field as he aims to make an immediate impact despite missing the entirety of training camp and preseason. However, another key starter on that side of the ball was missing with a problem the Niners are hopeful is minor.

Check out the report below:

Player	Injury	Wednesday	Thursday
Charvarius Ward	Heel	Full	Did Not Participate
Jon Feliciano	Illness	Did Not Participate	Full
Trent Williams	Not Injury Related	Did Not Participate	Full
Nick Bosa	Resting Player	—	Limited
Oren Burks	Knee	Limited	Limited
Tashaun Gipson	Back	Limited	Limited
Talanoa Hufanga	Knee	Limited	Did Not Participate (personal matter)
George Kittle	Groin	Limited	Limited
Jordan Mason	Foot	Limited	Limited
Ray-Ray McCloud	Wrist	Limited	Limited
Jake Moody	Quadricep	Limited	Limited
George Odum	Shoulder	Full	Full
Brock Purdy	Elbow	Full	Full

Injury report observations

The unquestioned headline here is the addition of Charvarius Ward, the 49ers' No. 1 corner who quickly established himself as a cornerstone of San Francisco's defense after signing in free agency from the Chiefs last offseason.

However, speaking to KNBR after practice, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence Ward will still be able to start against Pittsburgh.

Kyle Shanahan on @KNBR on CB Charvarius Ward (heel) missing practice today: "He had a little thing that came up yesterday. But I'm feeling pretty confident he's going to be alright." #49ers

— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 7, 2023

"He had a little thing that came up yesterday. But I'm feeling pretty confident he's going to be alright," said Shanahan.

Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks added in his Thursday press conference that he is not concerned about Ward's ability to play on Sunday.

If Ward cannot go, Ambry Thomas would likely step in as the starter across from Deommodore Lenoir at outside corner.

There is understandably no word on the context of Talanoa Hufanga's personal matter. With doubts over Ward quickly alleviated, there is no suggestion anyone on the injury report will miss the season opener.

Nick Bosa dispels any doubts about his physical shape on return to 49ers practice

He’s in unsurprisingly excellent shape.

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