Update: The 49ers have officially announced that Ward has been activated off of the PUP list.
"He'll be off the PUP, be allowed to go out there, but definitely going to take it easy with him," Shanahan said.
Shanahan was asked if the expectation is to get Ward into Sunday's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. "Of course, we would like to," Shanahan answered. "But I have really no expectations for that. We'll see how he looks today. I'm hoping we do a little bit more on Thursday and I think we'll have a better idea after two practices."
Shanahan also said that he is excited to have Ward back and felt that he did a really good job during organized team activities.
"He was real excited to get into camp here," Shanahan continued. "I know it hasn't gone the way he's wanted with his unfortunate injury. I know I'm excited. I think everyone's excited. I know he is. So, look forward to getting him out there today."
Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (ankle), who did not play Saturday against the Denver Broncos, will also be limited in Wednesday's practice.
Ward entered the offseason as the team's highest-graded defensive back, according to Pro Football Focus, and has been working on transitioning back to the position he played in college – safety. He also finished the 2015 season as the 49ers' highest-graded defensive back.
The 49ers are transitioning to a single-high safety scheme and Ward is expected to fill that role. He has been working back from the hamstring injury and was unable to participate in practices with his teammates during training camp.
Ward is entering his fourth season with the 49ers and has accumulated 110 tackles, two sacks, 20 passes defensed, and two interceptions over the past three seasons. The new coaching staff was impressed enough with Ward that the team picked up his fifth-year option earlier in the offseason, which will keep him under contract through the 2018 season.
Ward ended the 2016 season on injured reserve following a shoulder injury suffered during a December matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: Will Brock Purdy take a team-friendly deal? Who else will SF fire? What will the 49ers do with the number 11 pick?
It's January, and the San Francisco 49ers are at home watching the postseason. It's not what the team or the fans wanted, but there is hope that it could be the best thing for the players, giving them the time to rest, recover, and reset. For all we know, this time next year,... -
Over The Cap names 6 candidates as potential 49ers cap casualties
Salary cap resource OverTheCap.com recently published a list of 100 NFL players who might become cap casualties, with their teams potentially parting ways with them to free up salary space. The feature had the following six San Francisco 49ers players listed: DT Maliek... -
49ers legend Patrick Willis names favorite current linebackers
Hall of Fame linebacker Patrick Willis recently spoke with Touchdown Wire's Ed Easton Jr., offering his insights on today's NFL game. Willis, who spent his entire eight-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, earned five first-team All-Pro honors and was selected to the Pro... -
Another option emerges for 49ers' DC candidate Robert Saleh
Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is gaining attention in the coaching market. He is scheduled to interview with the Las Vegas Raiders tomorrow for their head coach vacancy, having already met with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the same role. Additionally, Saleh...