The San Francisco 49ers announced on Wednesday the team has activated DB Jimmie Ward from the Physically Unable to Perform List.

The four-year veteran was sidelined for the entire duration of San Francisco's training camp after suffering a hamstring injury during the 49ers conditioning test.

Ward will return to the 49ers practice on a limited basis.

Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday the team plans to take it easy in his first practices back. Shanahan was unsure if Ward will play on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

"I hope we do a little more on Thursday," Shanahan said. "We'll have a better idea after two practices. He did a real good job with us at OTAs. We were really excited to get him here at camp. I look forward to getting him out there today."

Over his first three seasons, Ward has totaled 18 starts in 35 games, 107 tackles, 20 passes defended, two interceptions, two sacks abd a forced fumble. Ward spent the entire offseason transitioning from cornerback to free safety, the position he played in college at Northern Illinois.

Lorenzo Jerome has stepped up in Ward's absence. It will be interesting to watch how the depth chart shakes out going into the regular season.