Ford suffered a calf injury during training camp and finally returned to practice this week. He told reporters on Thursday that he feels fine and is ready for the 2020 season.
"When you're dealing with a calf, you don't want to risk it getting to that Achilles tendon," Ford said of the training-camp setback. "At the end of the day, we had to jump on it because our goal, and especially my goal, which is the team's goal, is to be there 16 games plus postseason. And I'm not going to waive on that at all. We just had to get that (injury) right."
Ford was limited by injuries last season but still managed to rack up 6.5 sacks while showing that he can be a disruptive force along the edge. The pass rusher has his sights set on a more significant workload this season.
Much more.
Most assumed that Arik Armstead would line up on base downs, and Ford would enter the game during passing situations. The veteran was asked on Thursday if he expects to play more on early downs.
"Every down. Every down. Every down," Ford responded. "Pass rushing is what I do, but I make plays, at the end of the day. Pass rushing is what I do, but my goal is to be a great defensive player, not a great pass rusher. So, first, second, and third down. Fourth down, if we need it."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Brandon Aiyuk trade: Why moving him now makes sense—and why it doesn't
The 49ers' return window for Brandon Aiyuk closes April 1, offering the Niners one final opportunity to trade him and move on from a contract decision they reportedly never wanted to make. No, it's not April Fools, but it sure feels a lot like Groundhog Day. Just months after... -
Kyle Shanahan: Too early for 49ers to set timeline on Brandon Aiyuk's return
Brandon Aiyuk isn't expected to be ready when the San Francisco 49ers kick off the 2025 season. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, a mid-season return seems more realistic, though the 49ers haven't ruled out the possibility of an earlier comeback. Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and... -
Kyle Shanahan: 49ers set with Christian McCaffrey but open to drafting a RB
The San Francisco 49ers' decision to trade Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings surprised many. Mason led the team in rushing yards last season, stepping up as Christian McCaffrey battled injuries. Moving on from Mason speaks volumes about the team's confidence in Isaac... -
Brock Purdy isn't taking his success as 49ers QB for granted
Brock Purdy helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship Game as a rookie. If not for an injury to his throwing arm, they might have reached the Super Bowl in his first year. The following season, they returned to the NFC Championship Game—this time winning...