When San Francisco 49ers' starting cornerback Charvarius Ward appeared on the practice participation report with a heel injury, it raised some eyebrows. He sat out practice on Wednesday and was a limited participant on Thursday.
With the highly anticipated matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night looming, Ward being less than 100 percent might pose a significant disadvantage for the home-team Niners.
However, general manager John Lynch offered reassurance during his Friday morning interview on KNBR.
"Mooney's okay," Lynch said of his cornerback on the "Murph and Mac" show. "If you've ever stepped on a stone with your heel, it doesn't feel good. He's kind of got the equivalent, like a heel bruise. And so we're just limiting some of the practice. But he's good to go and just trying to let the thing die down a little."
According to Pro Football Focus, Ward has been the 49ers' highest-graded defensive back this season. The veteran has been targeted 26 times, allowing 16 receptions for 162 yards while coming away with an interception. Opposing NFL quarterbacks own a 63.3 passer rating while targeting Ward.
You should expect to see No. 7 on the field with the defense at Levi's Stadium on Sunday night.
"But Mooney's ready to play, and I think he's really rounding into form," Lynch added. "He's starting to play at a high level, and he's an important guy for our team."
It's worth noting that the 49ers have sent the Cowboys packing from the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. Ward was recently asked if there is any animosity between the two teams.
"Probably for them, not for us," Ward responded. "We won, so we good."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.