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Top T.J. Ward News
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T.J. Ward: Hanging up cleats
Ward announced Wednesday in a statement that he has retired from professional football.
The 35-year-old defensive back hasn't played in a game since 2017, but he resurfaced with the Cardinals' practice squad at one point in 2020. Ward made 99 NFL starts for three different teams, peaking in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, when he earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods for the Browns and Broncos, respectively. His best statistical seasons mostly came in Cleveland, but Ward is arguably better known as part of the "No Fly Zone" for dominant Denver secondaries in 2014 and 2015.
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T.J. Ward: Joins practice squad
The Cardinals signed Ward to the practice squad Thursday.
Ward will provide Arizona with emergency veteran depth at the safety position. The two-time Pro Bowler hasn't played since 2017.
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T.J. Ward: Works out for Jacksonville
Ward worked out for the Jaguars on Saturday as the 32-year-old intends to make his return to the NFL in 2019, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
Ward did not play in 2018 after appearing in 12 games with the Buccaneers throughout his 2017 campaign, when he amassed 43 tackles (31 solo) and three passes defensed. The two-time Pro Bowler could provide a willing suitor with a veteran presence in the secondary, but at 32, Ward's peak playing days are behind him.
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T.J. Ward: October charges dropped
The charges for Ward's October arrest for possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia have been dropped, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
Ward is currently a free agent after finishing his eighth pro season with 43 tackles (31 solo) and three pass breakups through 12 games for Tampa Bay. The 31-year-old struggled with knee and hip injuries along with a concussion, so any team willing to sign Ward must be on board with injury issues that likely won't disappear with age. Ward is just two seasons removed from averaging 6.2 tackles per game and forcing three fumbles in 2016.
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T.J. Ward: Looking to extend playing career
Ward (knee) wants to continue his playing career in 2018, Benjamin Allbright of 104.7 FM Denver reports.
The Buccaneers let Ward walk after the 31-year-old played the 2017 season under a one-year contract, racking up 43 tackles and three pass breakups across 12 games in a part-time role. It's true his play has slipped since his Pro Bowl days with the Broncos from 2013 to 2015, but Ward could still have something left in the tank and it's not advised to completely write him off in IDP formats quite yet. However, complicating his ability to sign with a team this offseason is the fact that Ward was arrested in January on a felony count of marijuana possession and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia, issues that could certainly lead to league-imposed discipline.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Arrested Wednesday
Ward (knee) was arrested Wednesday morning in Tampa on a felony count of marijuana possession and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Ward posted bond and was released from jail shortly after his arrest, but he'll likely have to report to court at some point in the months to come and could face discipline from the NFL. A three-time Pro Bowler from 2013 through 2015, Ward has seen his effectiveness wane the past two seasons and was forced to settle for a part-time role with the Buccaneers in 2017. Ward, who sustained what is believed to be a minor knee injury in the Buccaneers' season finale Sunday against the Saints, will become a free agent this offseason.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Exits with knee injury
Ward won't return to Sunday's game against the Saints with a knee injury, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Ward was originally tabbed questionable to return but ultimately was ruled out. Keith Tandy is likely to see increased snaps at safety with Ward sidelined.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Racks up nine tackles in Week 16 start
Ward posted nine tackles (five solo) in Sunday's 22-19 loss to the Panthers.
The eight-year veteran drew the start at free safety in place of Justin Evans (IR-ankle) and put together what was easily his best tackle total of the season. Ward has expressed dissatisfaction with his playing time at different points during the campaign, but Evans' injury is at least affording the 31-year-old the opportunity to show what he can do with a full allotment of snaps. Ward will look to wrap up 2017 on a strong note against the Saints in Week 17.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Starting in Week 16
Ward will draw the start at free safety in place of Justin Evans (IR-ankle) Sunday against the Panthers, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.
The veteran cleared the concussion protocol earlier in the week and will now gear up for a starter's workload against Carolina. Ward has been slotted into an unfamiliar backup role in his first Buccaneers season, which has resulted in a career-low 31 tackles. He'll have an opportunity to improve considerably on those numbers against a Panthers team that should keep him busy with its emphasis on the run and the short-to-intermediate passing attack.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Absent from injury report
Ward (concussion) doesn't appear on Wednesday's injury report, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Ward was removed from Monday's game against the Falcons to be evaluated for a concussion, but was able to pass all tests. His absence from the injury report suggests that the safety is in no danger of missing the Week 16 game against the Panthers.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Passes concussion tests
Ward passed concussion tests after he was removed from Monday's game against the Falcons, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
Despite the good news, it's still within the realm of possibility for Ward to be held out of the Buccaneers' upcoming game against the Panthers in Week 16. His availability throughout the week of practice will give further intel into his playing status.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Evaluated for concussion
Ward left Monday's matchup against the Falcons to be evaluated for a concussion, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Ward missed last week's contest due to a concussion, but he was ultimately cleared for Monday's game. Thus, it would seem likely that the Buccaneers exercise caution with their starting free safety. Expect an update on his status when the team provides more clarity on the situation.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Clears concussion protocol
Ward cleared concussion protocol Friday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
While Ward's full practice Thursday implied that he was clear of any concussion-like symptoms, Friday's news confirms it, and Ward should be good to go as Tampa Bay's starting free safety after being sidelined for the last two weeks.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Logs full practice
Ward (concussion) was a full participant at Thursday's practice, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Ward has been sidelined for the previous two contests due to a concussion, but his full workload Thursday indicates he is on track for a return in Week 15. Assuming he avoids any setbacks, the veteran looks set to resume his role at free safety.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Ruled out for Week 14
Ward (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
Ward was unable to practice throughout the week, as he's remained in the league's concussion protocol since suffering the head injury against the Falcons in Week 12. His next chance to return will come in Week 15 against Atlanta at home, while Keith Tandy figures to start at free safety during Ward's absence.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Remains in concussion protocol
Head coach Dirk Koetter confirmed Thursday that Ward (concussion) is yet to clear the league-mandated protocol for head injuries, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
The news wasn't exactly surprising, considering the veteran safety has yet to practice since exiting the Week 12 loss to the Falcons in the second half with his injury. Ward has been a solid contributor in the defensive backfield for the Buccaneers in a part-time role, collecting 29 tackles (22 solo), defending a pair of passes and recovering a fumble over nine games. Given his inability to perform any on-field work thus far this week, Ward appears highly likely to be ruled out for the Week 14 tilt against the Lions, with final confirmation of his status expected in Friday's injury report.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Out in Week 13
Ward (concussion) is listed as out for Sunday's Week 13 tilt against the Packers.
The veteran exited last Sunday's loss to the Falcons with his concussion, and he's yet to clear the league-mandated protocol for head injuries. His absence could afford Keith Tandy a start at free safety, although the Buccaneers also have the option of shifting rookie Justin Evans over from strong safety.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Ruled out for game
Ward has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game due to a concussion.
Ward exited in the second half of Sunday's game and has since been diagnosed with a concussion. He should be considered questionable for next week's tilt against the Packers. Keith Tandy likely will handle the free safety duties while Ward is sidelined.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Exits for concussion evaluation
Ward left Sunday's game to be evaluated for a concussion, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Ward took a blow to the head in the second half of Sunday's game. Keith Tandy figures to see some extra snaps while Ward is sidelined.
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Buccaneers' T.J. Ward: Pounces on fumble
Ward had three tackles (two solo) and a fumble recovery against the Saints on Sunday.
Ward logged just 39 defensive snaps Sunday, and that's pretty high this season, seeing as he has only played more than 40 defensive snaps once this season. He continues to make it difficult for fantasy owners to deploy him, since he's the No. 3 safety in Tampa Bay.
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Player Bio
| HT/WT: 5-10, 200 lbs |
| Birthplace: San Francisco, CA, USA |
| Age: 37 |
| School: Oregon |
| Experience: 9 |