49es get huge pre-game boost as Charvarius Ward takes risk with injury

Charvarius Ward did not practice all week, but the San Francisco 49ers' top cornerback will play as they look to clinch the NFC West.

Ward injured his groin on the first defensive series in last week's win over the Seattle Seahawks and was limited to working on a side field ahead of the Niners' Week 15 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.

But, after being listed as questionable, Ward's name was not among an inactives list that inlcudes four injured starters.

49ers Inactives

• QB Brandon Allen
• RB Elijah Mitchell
• TE Ross Dwelley
• G Spencer Burford
• DT Arik Armstead
• DT Javon Hargrave
• LB Oren Burks

Inactives observations

Ward is undeniably taking a risk with a massive Christmas Day game with the Baltimore Ravens on the horizon.

Though the 49ers will be keen to avoid complacency, the recent play of the secondary suggests the 49er defense would have been able to cope without him against the 3-10 Cardinals.

The NFL leader in pass breakups (20), the 49ers can't afford to have Ward aggravate the injury ahead of the final three weeks of the regular season and the stretch run. The best course of action for the 49ers would be to take control early to allow them to get Ward additional rest ahead of their final primetime game of the year.

Guard Spencer Burford had returned to practice this week after a knee injury kept him out of Week 14, but he is out for a second successive game. However, Burford's absence is not a blow it may previously have been considered.

Veteran Jon Feliciano played extremely well at right guard in Burford's stead last week and was seemingly set to hold on to that starting role anyway.

Left guard Aaron Banks had missed Thursday's practice with a hip injury and was questionable, while linebacker Dre Greenlaw practiced only once this week with ankle and hip injuries. Both players are active.

Both starting defensive tackles, Javon Hagrave and Arik Armstead, along with linebacker Oren Burks, running back Elijah Mitchell and tight end Ross Dwelley.