DAMON WARD JR. NEWS

Shut down Saturday Ward recorded one reception (on six targets) for seven yards during Saturday's 24-17 victory versus Temple.

Impact Despite being targeted six times Saturday, Ward only caught one pass for seven yards. It was a tough end to the regular season for him after a productive campaign. He caught 36 passes (on 68 targets) for 622 yards and four touchdowns across nine games. He will cap off his collegiate career during bowl season.

DECEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Five catches Saturday Ward totaled five receptions (on nine targets) for 68 yards during Saturday's 40-28 loss to East Carolina.

Impact Ward had another high-volume outing Saturday, putting another solid performance together. He has been very productive and consistent in his four games since returning from injury, catching 19 passes (on 36 targets) for 327 yards and two touchdowns across four games. He faces a very favorable matchup Saturday at Temple in the regular season finale.

NOVEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Solid in Friday's loss Ward hauled in 4 of 12 targets for 85 yards during Friday's 48-27 defeat against Texas-San Antonio.

Impact Ward had a solid day Friday as he caught four passes in his third consecutive game since returning from injury. It was a slightly disappointing return considering Chandler Morris targeted him 12 times, but it's certainly a good sign that Morris is looking for Ward so often. He faces a pair of favorable matchups to end the season, starting Saturday versus East Carolina.

NOVEMBER 17 • ROTOWIRE

Quiet versus Army Ward logged four receptions (on seven targets) for 63 yards during Saturday's 14-3 defeat versus Army.

Impact Ward caught four passes Saturday and gained 63 yards, decent numbers but not what managers would have hoped for after his last outing. However, given the difficult opponent and the fact that Chandler Morris threw for just 214 yards, it was a fine day for Ward. He will hope to bounce back Friday at UTSA.

NOVEMBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Returns and scores twice Ward Jr. (undisclosed) caught 6 of 9 targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns during Saturday's 45-37 loss against Tulane.

Impact Ward returned to the field Saturday after missing the last three games and looked as if he missed no time. He scored two touchdowns for the second time this season and accumulated 111 yards through the air. DT Sheffield also had a big day, proof that the pair of receivers can both be productive with Chandler Morris under center.

OCTOBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

On dress list prior to Tulane Ward (undisclosed) is on the dress list for North Texas, Ethan Plinsky of 247Sports.com reports.

Impact Ward reportedly practiced this week, and the fact that he's dressing against Tulane is a good sign for his availability. It's still not guaranteed that the receiver will play, but it certainly appears likely at this point.

OCTOBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Practices prior to Tulane Ward (undisclosed) practiced this week prior to the matchup with Tulane, per 247Sports.com.

Impact Ward reportedly practiced for the Mean Green, but didn't look as sharp as usual at Tuesday's practice. The receiver hasn't played since Week 5, and has 16 catches for 288 yards and two scores this fall.

OCTOBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

DNP for Memphis game Ward (undisclosed) did not play during North Texas' 52-44 loss Saturday at Memphis.

Impact According to Brett Vito of The Denton Record-Chronicle, Ward's injury status going into Saturday was a game-time decision. Unfortunately for him, the GTD fell on the negative side of the coin, resulting in another DNP.

OCTOBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

DNP for FAU game Ward (undisclosed) did not play during North Texas' 41-37 win Saturday at Florida Atlantic.

Impact According to Ethan Plinsky of 247Sports.com, Ward's injury status was a game-time decision before he did not play. Currently, North Texas' next matchup is scheduled for Oct. 19 at Memphis.

OCTOBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to play Saturday Ward (undisclosed) is expected to play in Saturday's game against Florida Atlantic, per Brett Vito of the Denton Record-Chronicle.

Impact Ward was previously listed as questionable after missing last week's game against Tulsa, but it appears the senior receiver will be good to go against the Owls. Ward had a monster start to the season, catching 12 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns in the Mean Green's season opener, but has been mostly held in check ever since, logging just four catches for 58 yards in his three games since. Ward and the North Texas offense will be hoping he can return to his season-opening form Saturday.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Game-time decision Saturday Ward (undisclosed) is a game-time decision for North Texas' game Saturday at Florida Atlantic, Brett Vito of The Denton Record-Chronicle reports.

Impact Once again, there is a glimmer of hope for Ward's game availability. But ideally for him and North Texas, it is not a repeat scenario that saw him questionable and eventually sit out a Tulsa matchup.

OCTOBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Saturday Ward (undisclosed) won't play in North Texas' matchup versus Tulsa on Saturday, per Ethan Plinksy of 247sports.com reports.

Impact Ward was able to practice throughout the week but will end up being unable to play. In his absence, DT Sheffield and Landon Sides will both see increased playing time.

SEPTEMBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable versus Tulsa Ward (undisclosed) is questionable for North Texas' game versus Tulsa on Saturday, per Ethan Plinsky of 247sports.com.

Impact Ward is considered to be day-to-day, leaving his status for Saturday's matchup up in the air. He is currently the team's leading receiver, and if he ends up not playing DT Sheffield and Landon Sides would see expanded roles.

SEPTEMBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles again Saturday Ward reeled in 1 of 3 targets for seven yards during Saturday's 44-17 win against Wyoming.

Impact After breaking out for 230 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, Ward has just four catches for 58 yards in his past three games. In fairness, he is clearly not fully healthy due to an undisclosed injury he suffered in Week 3 and played just 17 snaps in Saturday's win. The Mean Green passing attack has been very productive this season, so if Ward can get back to 100 percent, he could be a major part of that.

SEPTEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Will be active Saturday Ward (undisclosed) will be active for Saturday's game against Wyoming, Ethan Plinsky of 247Sports.com reports.

Impact Even after missing practice during the week, Ward will be available for North Texas during this matchup. The senior wide receiver came back to earth after an explosive Week 1 performance in which he went for over 200 receiving yards but will look to bounce back from previous two outings.

SEPTEMBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Not practicing Ward (undisclosed) did not practice Tuesday after exiting Saturday's game with an injury, Ethan Plinsky of MeanGreen247 reports.

Impact Despite not practicing earlier in the week, coach Eric Morris declined to officially rule Ward out for Saturday's game. He was listed on the team's initial depth chart this week but an official status update likely won't come until Friday or before Saturday's kickoff.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Exits Saturday's game Ward departed Saturday's game against Wyoming following an injury, Brett Vito of the Denton Record-Chronicle reports.

Impact There was no mention of Ward returning to the contest after that, so it will be worth monitoring his status ahead of Week 4 versus Wyoming. Ward finished Saturday's game against Texas Tech with two catches for 35 yards and had a solid campaign going entering Saturday, notching 13 grabs for 246 yards and three scores through the first two games.

SEPTEMBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Elite in Saturday's opener Ward posted 12 receptions (on 15 targets) for 230 yards and two touchdowns during Saturday's 52-38 victory over South Alabama.

Impact Ward found an immediate connection with Chandler Morris Saturday as the pair combined for 230 yards and two touchdowns. One touchdown came from three yards out and the other came from 54-yards out, a sign that Ward will be utilized as a playmaker and a redzone threat. While one other receiver -- DT Sheffield -- also received double digit targets, Ward proved himself to be the clear No. 1 option in the passing game.

SEPTEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in Saturday's win Ward had three receptions (on four targets) for 41 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 35-28 win against Tulsa.

Impact Ward caught his fifth touchdown of the season Saturday -- and his first since Week 5 -- a 10-yard reception in the first quarter. It was also his fifth game with over 40 yards this season as he now sits third on the team in receptions and yards and second in touchdowns.

NOVEMBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Productive outing Saturday Ward gathered in 8 of 11 targets for 120 yards during Saturday's 45-42 loss against Memphis.

Impact Ward set season highs across the board Saturday, gathering in his most targets, receptions and yards of the season. He also led the team in all three categories, however his teammates Roderic Burns and Ja'Mori Maclin accounted for the five receiving touchdowns. Maclin has gotten all the headlines in the Mean Green's passing game, but Ward has been quietly very good. With all the attention focused on Maclin, Ward could benefit as he flies under the radar.

OCTOBER 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE