Jay Ward - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Harrison Smith rejoins the Vikings like he never left, listed as a starting safety for the opener

The Minnesota Vikings have listed six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith as a starter on the depth chart they released for their season opener against the rival Green Bay Packers

SEPTEMBER 9 • Associated Press

Sees preseason action Ward logged two solo tackles during Saturday's preseason opener against the Giants.

Impact Ward played 50 percent of the defensive snaps for the Vikings on Saturday. The strong safety relieved Josh Metellus early on in the game, managing 27 snaps now that he is concussion-free. Ward will likely see similar volume during next Saturday's preseason game against the Ravens.

AUGUST 16 • ROTOWIRE

"Simply not sustainable": NFL analyst spells doom for Jaxson Dart as Giants QB gets brutally sacked by Jay Ward vs. Vikings Jaxson Dart was in the blue medical tent during the New York Giants' opening preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.

AUGUST 15 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Murray debuts as Minnesota's starting QB and Dart throws for a TD as Vikings beat Giants 13-10

Kyler Murray led a drive that ended in a field goal in his first game action since being named Minnesota’s starting quarterback, New York’s Jaxson Dart threw for a touchdown after...

AUGUST 15 • Associated Press

Jay Ward Engulfs Jaxson Dart to Notch a Powerful Sack for Vikings Vikings safety Jay Ward engulfs Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart to notch a powerful sack for Vikings.

AUGUST 15 • VIKINGS.COM

Jay Ward takes down Jaxson Dart 💪 | 📺: FOX9

AUGUST 15 • YOUTUBE

Enters concussion protocol Ward was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol Sunday, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Impact Ward likely sustained the concussion during Sunday's training camp activities. The safety will now need to progress through the NFL's five-step process and be cleared by an independent neurologist before being permitted to play in any games. Ward's absence means Tavierre Thomas, Jakobe Thomas or Jacob Thomas will likely see snaps at strong safety during Saturday's preseason opener against the Giants.

AUGUST 9 • ROTOWIRE

Minnesota Vikings Team Press Conferences | Training Camp, August 5 Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson, safety Jay Ward, tight end Gavin Bartholomew and fullback Max Bredeson spoke with the media during...

AUGUST 5 • VIKINGS.COM

Brian Flores and the Vikings will have a younger defense, whether Harrison Smith returns or not

Brian Flores is back for a fourth season as defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings

JUNE 10 • Associated Press

2026 NFL Offseason: The Biggest Need for Every NFC Team After Early Free Agency

Ben Arthur identifies the biggest need for every NFC team and the ideal player to fill each hole.

MARCH 20 • FOX SPORTS

2026 NFL Offseason: The Biggest Need for Every NFC Team After Early Free Agency

Moves up to bigger role in 2025 Ward played in all 17 of Minnesota's games last season, making five starts and recording 27 tackles along with a recovered fumble.

Impact Ward logged just 62 defensive snaps over 33 regular-season contests in his first two NFL campaigns, but he was much more involved on defense in 2025 with 249 defensive snaps. The 2023 fourth-round draft pick made his first NFL start in Week 10 and then started each of the Vikings' final three contests after Josh Metellus (shoulder) landed on IR. Ward will be in the final season of his rookie contract in 2026, and if Harrison Smith decides to retire, Ward could be tabbed for a starting role.

FEBRUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Minnesota Vikings Team Press Conferences | Week 1 vs. Chicago Bears | Wednesday, September 10 Vikings players Jonathan Allen, Eric Wilson, Isaiah Rodgers, Dallas Turner, and Jay Ward addressed the media from the TCO Performance Center...

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 • VIKINGS.COM

Three tackles in opener Ward had three total tackles in Monday's win at Chicago.

Impact Ward played on 25 of the defense's 67 snaps as he'll have a reserve safety role and is a key player on special teams.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Kobe King and Jay Ward Team Up To Force Patriots' 4th Down Minnesota Vikings linebacker Kobe King and safety Jay Ward break up a pass by New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

AUGUST 16, 2025 • VIKINGS.COM

Ready for Sunday Ward (elbow) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

Impact The second-year pro from LSU missed the Vikings' Week 13 win over the Cardinals after sustaining an elbow injury the game prior. However, he practiced in a full capacity Friday and will return for Week 14. Expect Ward to play as one of Minnesota's top special-teamers in Sunday's contest.

DECEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Johnny Mundt & Jay Ward Honor Friends with Custom Cleats Minnesota Vikings Latest News

DECEMBER 6, 2024 • VIKINGS.COM

Won't play Sunday vs. Cardinals Ward (elbow) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Arizona.

Impact Ward suffered an elbow injury during the Vikings' Week 12 overtime win over the Bears. The injury was severe enough for him to be held out of practice all week, and his next opportunity to play will be Week 14 against the Falcons on Sunday, Dec. 8. Ward has played exclusively on special teams in the Vikings' six regular-season games since the Week 6 bye, and he has logged one solo tackle over that span.

NOVEMBER 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves game with elbow injury Ward (elbow) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bears, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Impact Jay Ward has played exclusively on special teams since the Minnesota's Week 6 bye. The Vikings will need to find someone to replace the second-year safety's production on special teams if he's unable to return Sunday.

NOVEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Limited role on defense Ward had one total tackle and a QB hit in Sunday's win over Houston.

Impact Ward played on just nine of the defense's 67 snaps as he has a reserve safety role. He could get more playing time if the Vikings limit Harrison Smith's snaps later this season to keep him fresh.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Jay Ward Snares Tipped Pass For Interception Minnesota Vikings defensive back Jay Ward turns a tipped ball off of the hands of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Joseph Ngata into an end...

AUGUST 24, 2024 • VIKINGS.COM

Vikings Media Availability: Griffin, Bynum, H. Smith, Phillips, Reichard and Ward Watch as CB Shaq Griffin, S Camryn Bynum, S Harrison Smith, DT Harrison Phillips, K Will Reichard, S Jay Ward addressed the media from the T...

JULY 31, 2024 • VIKINGS.COM

Chopping It Up with Mekhi Blackmon, Jay Ward and Ivan Pace Jr. View behind-the-scene photos from the filming of season 3, episode 1 of Chopping It Up with Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon, S Jay Ward and LB Iva...

MAY 13, 2024 • VIKINGS.COM

Vikings rookie safety Jay Ward got his shot on Saturday. He didn't miss. He recorded a strip sack on Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune to get the Vikings rolling.

AUGUST 26, 2023 • TWINCITIES.COM

Jay Ward Flashes for Vikings in Preseason Finale Vs. Cardinals Minnesota Vikings Latest News

AUGUST 26, 2023 • VIKINGS.COM

Can't-Miss Play: Vikes rookie Jay Ward lays the BOOM on sack fumble vs Cardinals Minnesota Vikings rookie safety Jay Ward lays the BOOM on sack fumble vs. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune to set up Vikings in pr...

AUGUST 26, 2023 • NFL.COM

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Harrison Smith rejoins the Vikings like he never left, listed as a starting safety for the opener

Murray debuts as Minnesota's starting QB and Dart throws for a TD as Vikings beat Giants 13-10

Brian Flores and the Vikings will have a younger defense, whether Harrison Smith returns or not

2026 NFL Offseason: The Biggest Need for Every NFC Team After Early Free Agency