Fooch’s update: Ian Rapoport is reporting Reid suffered a torn biceps muscle.
The San Francisco 49ers lost badly to the New England Patriots on Sunday, but more importantly for now, they have a pair of notable injuries to deal with this week. Cornerback Jimmie Ward suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter, and free safety Eric Reid suffered a right arm injury that Matt Barrows tweeted, “could be serious.”
Ward left the game with a head injury, and is now formally in the NFL’s concussion protocol. The 49ers travel to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 12, and so Ward has until the end of the week to clear through the protocol if he is to play in that game. He will be evaluated for concussion symptoms throughout the week. First, he must be asymptomatic while at rest, and then must be asymptomatic after exertion. He will eventually have to go through a light contact test. If he gets through the at rest portion, he would likely spend much of the week in the blue non-contact jersey.
If Ward is unable to go, Rashard Robinson would likely return to the starting lineup. Keith Reaser could end up getting a starting nod, but more than likely Reaser would be the first cornerback off the bench.
Reid’s arm injury is a bit more nebulous at the moment. He walked off the field with a trainer helping him hold his right arm, and a towel over the arm. Mindi Bach tweeted that Reid was wearing a sling on his arm when he left the locker room.
If Reid is unable to go, Jaquiski Tartt would likely move into the starting lineup. If Ward did not have a concussion, we might see Ward get some free safety run, but my guess is Tartt will get the boost in playing time if Reid is unable to play next week.