JONATHAN WARD NEWS

Jonathan Ward Trying To Lock Down Spot In Crowded RB Room Notes: Hamilton doesn't see need for cornerback addition

AUGUST 16, 2022 • AZCARDINALS.COM

Jonathan Ward top plays vs. Bengals | Preseason Week 1 Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Ward top plays vs. Cincinnati Bengals during 2022 Preseason Week 1

AUGUST 15, 2022 • NFL.COM

Scores two TDs in preseason action Ward carried the ball six times for 15 yards and two touchdowns and caught both his targets for 26 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Bengals.

Impact The third-year player out of Central Michigan was the second running back into the game for Arizona after Eno Benjamin, and Ward made the most of his opportunity by scoring a pair of one-yard TDs in the second quarter. His work on special teams could ensure he has a spot on the 53-man roster, but Ward's role on offense will likely be minimal as he seems to be at best No. 5 on the depth chart behind James Conner, Darrel Williams, Benjamin and rookie Keaontay Ingram.

AUGUST 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Signs tender Monday Ward signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals on Monday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Impact Ward's work at running back has been limited during his first two seasons in the NFL -- nine carries for 33 yards and three catches for 34 yards -- but that could change in 2022 with the departure of Chase Edmonds. Currently, the Cardinals have James Conner, Eno Benjamin and Jaylen Samuels under contract, but they've been rumored to be interested in Darrel Williams and could possibly use the draft to bolster their backfield depth as well.

APRIL 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Contract tender extended The Cardinals have extended a one-year contract tender to Ward.

Impact With that, Ward, who was poised to become an exclusive rights free agent, is now on track to remain a depth piece in the team's 2022 backfield. Who the 24-year-old will be working behind, however, remains to be seen, with both James Conner and Chase Edmonds both pending unrestricted free agents.

MARCH 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Report: Cardinals are re-signing exclusive rights free agent running back Jonathan Ward According to a report, the Cardinals are re-signing exclusive rights free agent Jonathan Ward, giving the team three running backs under con...

MARCH 9, 2022 • AZCENTRAL.COM

Out Monday Ward (knee) is inactive Monday against the Rams. Darren Urban of the Cardinals official site reports.

Impact Ward was able to log a limited practice Saturday after sitting out Thursday and Friday, but he's still unable to suit up. With James Conner (ribs) and Chase Edmonds (ribs/toe) both active, as well as Eno Benjamin, Ward's absence shouldn't have an impact on the Cardinals' offense.

JANUARY 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as questionable Ward (knee) is questionable for Monday's wild-card matchup against the Rams, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Ward was held out of practice Thursday and Friday, but he returned in a limited capacity Saturday. Chase Edmonds (ribs/toe) isn't on the injury report for Monday's contest, so Ward is unlikely to see significant work against the Rams, even if James Conner (ribs) is held out.

JANUARY 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Yet to practice this week Ward (knee) did not practice Friday and is questionable for Monday against the Rams, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Impact Ward was injured in Week 18 against the Seahawks and has yet to practice this week. With James Conner (ribs) and Chase Edmonds (ribs) also questionable, the Cardinals' backfield is banged up going into Monday's matchup with the Rams.

JANUARY 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

DNP on Thursday Ward (knee) did not practice Thursday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Impact The running back was unavailable for Thursday's practice after being considered day-to-day Wednesday. Ward is dealing with a knee issue and his status at Friday's practice will provide more clarity to his chances to play Monday against the Rams.

JANUARY 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Considered day-to-day Coach Kliff Kingsbury said Wednesday that Ward (knee) is considered day-to-day, Dana Scott of the Arizona Republic reports.

Impact Ward's status for the wild-card matchup with the Rams wouldn't mean much by itself, but it's big news given the Cardinals' two primary running backs -- James Conner (ribs/heel) and Chase Edmonds (ribs/toe) -- are both considered day-to-day as well. However, Kingsbury did add that all three will be tested during Thursday's practice, which should give a better indication of their statuses' for Monday.

JANUARY 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Seahawks win 38-30 to spoil Cardinals shot at NFC West title

Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes, Rashaad Penny ran for 173 yards and a touchdown, and the Seattle Seahawks spoiled a shot at the NFC West title for the Arizona Cardinal...

JANUARY 10, 2022 • Associated Press

Questionable to return Ward (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Impact Ward was banged up in the second half of Sunday's matchup. Since James Conner (ribs) is also questionable to return, Eno Benjamin should see an uptick in usage out of the backfield.

JANUARY 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Best Play Ever On NFL Slimetime: Jonathan Ward's Unreal Catch Check out Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Ward's unreal helmet catch on Cardinals' fake punt play on Nickelodeon's "NFL Slimetime".

JANUARY 6, 2022 • AZCARDINALS.COM

Arizona Cardinals' Jonathan Ward makes amazing catch on fake punt vs. Dallas Cowboys The Cardinals brought out some trickery against the Cowboys. It resulted in perhaps what will end up as the catch of the year.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • AZCENTRAL.COM

Cardinals' Jonathan Ward makes mind-blowing helmet catch on fake punt

Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Ward made his case for catch of the season on Sunday during the team’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.

JANUARY 3, 2022 • FOXNEWS.COM

Can't-Miss Play: Helmet catch 2.0? Jonathan Ward brings down INSANE grab on fake punt Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Ward catches an INSANE grab on a fake punt.

JANUARY 2, 2022 • NFL.COM

Will play Monday Ward was cleared of all injury designations Saturday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Impact Ward originally suffered a concussion Nov. 19 against the Seahawks, then was placed on the COVID list on Nov. 30 while still recovering from the concussion. He cleared COVID protocols Thursday and returned to both the active roster and practice field. After getting in a full practice Saturday, Ward will suit up Monday against the Rams. He should file in behind James Conner and Eno Benjamin on the running back positional depth chart.

DECEMBER 12, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Back from COVID list Ward (concussion) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

Impact Ward landed on the COVID list in late November but has now cleared the health and safety protocols. He hasn't seen the field since Week 8 after suffering a concussion but should be available for Arizona this weekend.

DECEMBER 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Lands on COVID list The Cardinals have placed Ward (concussion) on their reserve/COVID-19 list, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Impact Ward has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion in Week 8. The Cardinals are coming off a bye week, and it is unclear if he was nearing a potential return on that front. Regardless, he will now be sidelined at least until he can clear the league's COVID protocols. As a result, James Conner and Eno Benjamin remain the team's only healthy backs.

NOVEMBER 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Cardinals Place Jonathan Ward On Covid List Running back has been out with concussion

NOVEMBER 30, 2021 • AZCARDINALS.COM

Remains out Sunday Ward (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Impact Ward will be sidelined for a third consecutive game after he sustained a concussion in Week 8. He'll have additional time to recover during Arizona's Week 12 bye.

NOVEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Week 10 Ward (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Panthers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Impact Ward was recorded as a non-participant during every practice leading up to Week 10, so it's no surprise to see him ruled out for Sunday's contest. With Ward and Chase Edmonds (ankle) both sidelined, Eno Benjamin will likely operate as the primary backup to James Conner.

NOVEMBER 12, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Does side work Thursday Ward (concussion) participated in work off to the side during Thursday's practice session, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Impact Ward was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, so it's encouraging to see him partake in some light activities as he deals with a concussion. However, Eno Benjamin should see increased work Sunday against the Panthers if Ward is unable to suit up.

NOVEMBER 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

No activity Wednesday Ward (concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Impact Ward took a knee to the helmet while making a tackle on kick coverage in the Cardinals' Week 8 loss to the Packers. He remained still on the turf and required a backboard and cart to get to the locker room, where he was diagnosed with a concussion. The backfield is expected to be without Chase Edmonds for multiple weeks due to a high-ankle sprain, so Ward could get into the mix if he can make his way through the protocol for head injuries. However, Ward has made no noticeable progress in his recovery to date, leaving James Conner and Eno Benjamin as the team's healthy running backs on the active roster.

NOVEMBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE