The 49ers defense won’t have to deal with Carson Palmer at quarterback for the Cardinals on Thursday night, but they will be charged with stopping Drew Stanton and the rest of the offense without a few key players.
Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner and cornerback Jimmie Ward have both been ruled out for the game. Buckner injured his foot late last Sunday in a loss to the Cowboys. The 2016 first-round pick has logged the most snaps of any 49ers defensive lineman so far this season.
Ward is out for the second straight game with a quad injury. Rashard Robinson saw more snaps in Ward’s absence last week and will likely see a bigger role again on Thursday.
Linebacker NaVorro Bowman is also listed as out as the 49ers haven’t put him on injured reserve with the torn Achilles that ended his season. Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, wide receiver Jeremy Kerley and tight end Vance McDonald are all listed as questionable.