The San Francisco 49ers faced setbacks in their preparations for the upcoming Week 3 clash against the Los Angeles Rams as cornerback Charvarius Ward and tight end George Kittle were both absent from practice on Thursday. Ward was sidelined due to knee and hamstring injuries, causing potential reshuffles in the defensive lineup. Despite Ward's injury not being severe, the team opted to rest him as a precautionary measure, as stated by defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. This absence could lead to more playing time for Deommodore Lenoir, Isaac Yiadom, and an increased role for Renardo Green.

Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle sat out of practice due to a hamstring issue, raising concerns about his availability for Sunday's crucial matchup. Kittle, who has been experiencing tightness in his hamstring, may be at risk of missing the game against the Rams, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. If Kittle is unable to play, the Niners might turn to players like Kyle Juszczyk, who can contribute at tight end and fullback positions, or Eric Saubert to fill the void left by the star tight end. Coach Kyle Shanahan faces the challenging task of adjusting the offensive strategy if Kittle is sidelined.

The 49ers have been no strangers to early-season injuries, and the 2024 campaign is proving to be no exception. With key players like Ward and Kittle facing health concerns leading up to Week 3, the team's depth and adaptability will be put to the test. Despite the potential absence of these star players, the 49ers remain focused on maintaining their roster's health and ensuring that any sidelined players make a full recovery before returning to the field. The team's resilience will be crucial as they navigate through this challenging phase of the season.