Hours after agreeing to a deal with safety Cam Bynum, the Colts were at it again. Ward joins the team on a three-year deal that could net him up to $60 million, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, and will be due $20 million at signing. Ward is a former UDFA from the 2018 draft class who emerged as a starter during his second season with the Chiefs. He’s proven over time to be a reliable defender in coverage, and was voted to his first Pro Bowl in 2023 while also being named as a second-team All-Pro. His 23 pass breakups led the league that season. New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo continues to get pieces to add to a secondary that ranked among the league’s worst last season.

Ward missed Week 6 against the Seahawks, helping Geno Smith throw for 300-plus passing yards for the third time this year. Ward’s return would be a big boost for a 49ers secondary tasked with limiting Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ passing offense in Week 7.

Ward’s short-week absence leaves the 49ers severely short-handed in the secondary, and turns into a big green light for underdog DK Metcalf and company. Ward seems merely day to day, but the quick turnaround was too much to overcome. We like his chances of being back for Week 7. Joining Ward on the shelf are TE Brayden Willis, LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, DL Jordan Elliott, K Jake Moody, OL Ben Bartch and QB Josh Dobbs.

Ward was on the injury report because of a knee issue earlier this year, so it’s possible the same injury flared back up this week. He didn’t miss any time previously and looks to be on the right side of questionable for Thursday’s game versus Seattle. Ward has four pass breakups and 22 combined tackles this year.