SANTA CLARA – Cornerback Jimmie Ward is "week to week" with a right quadriceps strain, the 49ers announced on Tuesday.
Ward, who sustained the injury while running down the field to cover a second-quarter kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, is expected to miss at least a couple of games.
He will likely be re-evaluated after the 49ers' Week 5 game against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, Oct. 6. It's possible the 49ers could play it safe and target his return for Week 9, after the bye week, against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 6.
Rookie Rashard Robinson was the 49ers' No. 3 cornerback when the season opened, as Keith Reaser was out with an ankle injury. Reaser took over for Ward on Sunday against Seattle and played a season-high 48 snaps.
Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil said Reaser and Robinson will compete during practices this week for who takes over in the starting lineup on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.
Tight end Vance McDonald (hip) looked to be walking well before practice but he was not scheduled to practice on Thursday. His status for Sunday's game is uncertain.
Tight end Garrett Celek was outfitted in a blue jersey, signifying he was off-limits for contact. Celek absorbed a big hit in the back from Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor on Sunday. Celek was back on the field for the 49ers' next possession.
