Ford, who exited the Niners' Week 2 win at halftime over the Cincinnati Bengals, sat out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning in limited fashion last Friday.
San Francisco's top edge rushers, Ford and Nick Bosa, haven't had a clean slate of health early this season. Yet the defense enters this contest allowing just 3.2 yards per carry, good for seventh best in the league, while boasting seven sacks -- also tied for seventh best.
Another reason why the 49ers have been able to get by just fine without Ford has been defensive end Ronald Blair, who picked up five tackles, including three for a loss, along with a sack last week.
Here's the list of Week 3 inactives for San Francisco:
- WR Jalen Hurd
- OT Joe Staley
- QB C.J. Beathard
- DB Jimmie Ward
- RB Tevin Coleman
- OT Sam Young
- DT Jullian Taylor
Left tackle Joe Staley, who suffered a broken fibula in Cincinnati, could end up returning sooner than eight weeks. Otherwise, the Niners would have probably stashed him on short-term injured reserve. In Staley's place, rookie tackle Justin Skule is expected to make his first pro start.
Also of note, cornerback Jason Verrett will be active for the first time this season. He was a healthy scratch in Week 2, and fellow defensive back Jimmie Ward will be unavailable. Ward (hand) was limited in practice this week, eventually being listed as questionable.
The 49ers and Steelers kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Written By:
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
All articles by Peter Panacy
Peter Panacy
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
All articles by Peter Panacy
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