On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers downgraded star cornerback Charvarius Ward from questionable to out for Monday night's game against the Detroit Lions. Ward is not injured, but will not be playing due to "personal reasons." According to Matt Maiocco, of NBC Sports Bay Area, Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Ward's absence is good news for the All-Pro corner and his family.
"Yeah, stuff I can't totally share," Shanahan said. "I haven't talked to him about it, so we'll keep it personal. But nothing bad happened."
Ward, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in March, missed four games earlier in the season when he and his girlfriend, Monique Cook, tragically lost their 23-month-old daughter, Amani Joy on October 28.
According to Jennifer Lee Chan, also of NBC Sports Bay Area, Ward will miss the game on Monday night because he and Cook are expecting a baby boy. Chan posted on social media, "Ward told me his family was expecting the arrival of a baby boy, leading to his absence at Saturday's practice."
The #49ers ruled Charvarius Ward OUT for Monday night's game vs. Lions.
Ward told me his family was expecting the arrival of a baby boy, leading to his absence at Saturday practice.
The All-Pro may have played his last game for the club. https://t.co/dtGk1mDAy8
— JLC - I'm on bluesky @jenniferleechan (@jenniferleechan) December 29, 2024
There is no indication whether or not Ward will play in the final week of the season against the Arizona Cardinals. Chan also added that in light of Ward's impending free agency, "The All-Pro may have played his last game for the club."
If Ward has played his final game with the 49ers, fans will undoubtedly consider his signing a success. Ward played exceptionally well in 2023, helping the 49ers get back to the Super Bowl.