Tag: Jimmie Ward

8 Texans (including Danielle Hunter) named alternates for 2025 Pro Bowl

Danielle Hunter better be on call after being snubbed a Pro Bowl bid on Thursday afternoon.

Danielle Hunter might not be headed to Orlando on the initial wave of Pro Bowl votes, but he’s a phone call away from packing his bags to join his teammates.

So are five other Houston Texans players.

Hunter (first alternate), punter Tommy Townsend (first), defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (second), quarterback C.J. Stroud (third), kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (fourth), and defensive back Jimmie Ward (fourth), were named Pro Bowl alternates. They will be candidates to join the Pro Bowl roster if other players drop out.

The Texans saw four players named to the active AFC roster after promising seasons for the AFC South Champions. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and wide receiver Nico Collins were first-time additions, while offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil notched his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl nod and second start.

Running back Joe Mixon, who’s seven yards shy of becoming the first Texans player since 2019 to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, also was named to the Pro Bowl roster as a backup.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon will again include an International NFL Flag Championship Tournament featuring top youth teams from around the world, underscoring the NFL’s commitment to the global growth and accessibility of flag football ahead of the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

Taking place over two days in Orlando, Fla., the skills challenges will be broadcast live on Thursday, Jan. 30, on ESPN from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CT and continue Sunday, Feb. 2, culminating in flag football.

Texans DB Jimmie Ward out for the season with foot injury

Jimmie Ward’s season is officially over with the Houston Texans.

Jimmie Ward’s 2024 season will end up like his 2023 one: on the injured reserved.

DeMeco Ryans confirmed on Monday at the Houston Texans defensive back will undergo season-ending foot surgery after being carted off in Saturday’s 27-19 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ward is expected to make a full recovery and should be cleared for offseason workouts. The Texans must make up for his absence on a short week when they take on the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.

Just before halftime, Ward tried to make a tackle on Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt before landing awkwardly on his foot. He was taken back to the locker room for further examination before traveling back with the team.

Ward’s absence might be the biggest hit to the defense because of his position flexibility. Initially starting the season at safety, the veteran defensive back shifted down to the nickel position out of necessity following a season-ending injury to third-year starter Jalen Pitre.

Where do the Texans go from here? There are several options. Rookie Kamari Lassiter was drafted with the intent to start at the nickel position and did see reps this past week inside once Ward went out. Houston would shift former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to the outside opposite Derek Stingley Jr.

The Texans could also start Myles Bryant inside, leaving Lassiter on the edge to win his one-on-one battles.

Ward ends his 2024 season with 48 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions in 10 games.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Jimmie Ward injury update: Texans DB carted off with foot injury

Jimmie Ward is out for the remainder of the second half of Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The hits keep coming for the Houston Texans.

Down multiple starters, do-it-all defensive back Jimmie Ward left during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs and is not expected to return.

The Texans trail 17-10 heading into halftime.

Here’s everything to know about Ward’s status moving forward.

Jimmie Ward injury update

Ward suffered a foot injury when trying to make a tackle on Chiefs tight end Travis Kecle. After writhing in pain on the field, a cart came out to take him back to the locker room for x-rays and further examination.

The Texans have ruled the starting defensive back questionable for the second half with a foot injury. Myles Bryant filled in for the veteran defender as the new starting nickel defender.

Will Jimmie Ward return?

Right now, it seems unlikely. Players often aren’t carted off a field only to make a miraculous return in the second half. Ward also has been playing in place of Jalen Pitre, who suffered a season-ending chest injury against the Tennessee Titans and will undergo surgery later this month.

Texans DB depth chart

The current plan is for Kamari Lassiter to take over inside the nickel, thus allowing former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to take over at the boundary cornerback position.

Here’s the current depth chart for the Texans cornerback room:

  • Derek Stingley Jr.
  • Kamari Lassiter
  • Kris Boyd
  • Jeff Oukdah

Watch: Texans set tone on ‘SNF’ vs. Lions with Jimmie Ward interception

The Houston Texans began on defense against the Detroit Lions and stopped the red hot offense with a Jimmie Ward interception

No offense in the NFL has been playing better than the Detroit Lions over the past six weeks.

The Houston Texans didn’t get the memo and got off the field and set up their offense in prime field position.

Nickel defender Jalen Pitre got in the way of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, tipping his pass, which veteran safety Jimmie Ward was able to get his hands under for the opening drive interception.

Here’s a look at the play below.

Goff has thrown just 22 incompletions during Detroit’s six-game winning streak, including one interception. He’s already thrown two incompletions and an interception after one drive.

The turnover is the first caused by Ward this season, who returned to the lineup after a four-game hiatus due to a groin injury.

Houston is 3-1 this season when Ward plays, so it makes sense why the AFC South leaders love when No. 20 is out on the field making plays.

Will Jimmie Ward play today? Latest injury updates for Texans DB

Will Jimmie Ward be back for the Houston Texans in Week 9 against the New York Jets?

With the Houston Texans on a short week, current injured players might be out again if not fully cleared.

That seems to be the case for defensive captain and safety Jimmie Ward, who has remained sidelined for the previous three games after suffering a groin injury in Week 5’s win at home.

Will Ward suit up on “Thursday Night Football” when the Texans take on the New York Jets? Here’s what happened and his current status entering Thursday morning.

Jimmie Ward injury update

Ward suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of the team’s Week 5 win over the Buffalo Bills. The veteran defensive back had previously missed Week 4’s over the Jaguars for the same injury but was healthy enough to return after further testing the following week. 

Since leaving NRG Stadium, Ward hasn’t been cleared to play, though the injury was severe enough to land him on the injured reserve.

The Texans have been optimistic surrounding his status, but Ward has either missed practice or been a limited participant since the beginning of the month. 

While Ward did practice on Tuesday, the Texans ruled him out once more before leaving for MetLife Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

He will miss his fourth consecutive game as Houston looks to improve to 7-2 to close out the month of October.

How long will Jimmie Ward be out?

Since Ward practiced on Tuesday, one could assume he’s close to being back at full strength. The Texans will have three days off to recover before beginning Week 10 preparation against the Detroit Lions, which falls on Sunday Night Football and primetime.

It feels likely the window to return is more so in favor of next week rather than Week 11’s showdown on Monday Night Football. He’s missed five games this season because of the issue, but it’s a good sign that he’s nearing the end of his rehab as he returns to practice.

Jimmie Ward stats

In four starts, Ward has 17 tackles and a pass breakup. He remains a defensive backbone of Houston at free safety, but the Texans have managed to go 4-1 without him in the lineup. 

Texans SAF depth chart

With Ward out, the Texans will be down one starter. Calen Bullock, a third-round pick out of USC in the 2024 NFL Draft is expected to start Thursday night opposite Eric Murray.

Here’s the rest of the defensive backs on the active roster:

  • Jalen Pitre
  • Myles Bryant
  • M.J. Stewart

Bullock leads the Texans with three interceptions and is expected to be the long-term replacement for either Murray or Ward beginning in 2025. He could remain a full-time starter after looking promising in the starting role over the past three games.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT.

Who is inactive for Texans in Week 7 matchup vs. Packers?

Six players are out for the Houston Texans on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers.

The Houston Texans are down five defensive starters for Sunday’s contest at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers.

Linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o, plus cornerback Kamari Lassiter and safety Jimmie Ward were all officially out for Sunday’s matchup against the Packers, according to the team’s Friday injury report. The four appeared on the inactive list, along with return man Steven Sims and veteran receiver Robert Woods.

Al-Shaair suffered a knee injury in the first half of Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots. Neville Hewitt, best known for his special teams ability, will start as the team’s MIKE backer opposite either Jake Hansen or fifth-round pick Jamal Hill.

To’oTo’o exited the game late in the fourth quarter after making a tackle on a punt return. He entered the league’s concussion protocol and didn’t practice throughout the week. Hansen filled in for the final eight minutes of Sunday’s matchup.

“Neville and Jake have been here with us for a while,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “They have gotten a lot of reps. They know how we play, they know what to expect, they know how to communicate. It is nothing new to them. If they have to go out and give snaps, I feel confident in those guys being able to step up and help us.”

Sims was a late addition to the injury report after suffering a back injury. In his place, Houston elevated Desmond King from the practice squad to likely serve as the punt returner and add depth to Houston’s secondary.

Receivers Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson could also be used heavily in special teams as returners.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans vs. Packers, Week 7 injury report: Thursday

Here’s the injury report from Thursday’s practice in preparation for the Houston Texans’ matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Here are the full injury reports for the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers from Thursday’s practice ahead of their Week 7 matchup at Lambeau Field:

Houston Texans (4-1)

Did not practice

  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee)
  • WR Robert Woods (foot)
  • CB Kamari Lassiter (shoulder)
  • LB Henry To’oTo’o (concussion)
  • DB Jimmie Ward (groin)
  • DL Foley Fatukasi (shoulder)

Limited participation

  • RB Joe Mixon (ankle)
  • LB Del’Shawn Phillips (hip)

Full participation

  • OT Laremy Tunsil (ankle)

Green Bay Packers (4-2)

Did not practice

  • DL Devonte Wyatt (ankle)

Limited participation

  • CB Jaire Alexander (groin)
  • DL Kenny Clark (toe)
  • TE  Tucker Kraft (groin)
  • C Josh Myers (ankle)
  • WR Jayden Reed (ankle)
  • WR Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder)
  • WR Christian Watson (ankle)
  • OL Elton Jenkins (knee)
  • DL Colby Wooden (knee)

Full participant

  • DL Jonathan Ford (calf)

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The Packers open as a -2.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM.
With a win, the Texans would be off to their best start since 2012. For Green Bay, a victory would leave it in third place behind both the Detriot Lions and Minnesota Vikings.

Watch: Texans Safety Calen Bullock intercepts Patriots QB Drake Maye

Houston Texans rookie safety Calen Bullock records his second interception of the season against fellow first-year starter Drake Maye.

Things are going from bad to worse for the New England Patriots against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye overthrew his intended target on third down. Waiting deep in coverage rookie safety Calen Bullock for the interception.

New England, already in a 14-0 hole, handed Houston possession back in its territory. The Patriots’ offense has eight total yards in two drives.

Bullock earned his second interception of the season, with the first occurring in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

Since then, Bullock’s rep count has increased and he’ll be on the field for a majority of Houston’s defensive snaps with veteran Jimmie Ward inactive.

Selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye was expected to sit his entire rookie season behind veteran Jacoby Brissett.

After just five games and a 1-4 start, New England opted to trot the rookie out against Houston.

The Patriots will start the second half on offense.

Texans receive negative update on DB Jimmie Ward

Houston Texans defensive back Jimmie Ward is out for the remainder of Sunday’s contest against the Buffalo Bills.

The Houston Texans must continue Sunday’s contest without Jimmie Ward.

Ward was ruled out entering the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills with a groin injury. Receiver Nico Collins and running back British Brooks were also ruled out due to injury.

On the game’s opening play. Ward made contact with Bills running back James Cook’s head and appeared to immediately go limp. He was checked out by trainers before walking off the field under his own pressure.

After being cleared for a concussion, Ward returned to the game. Last week, Ward was dealing with a groin injury and did not play in the Texans’ 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The rookie class is getting ample reps in what feels like a race to second place in the AFC standings. Kamari Lassiter is a full-time starter at cornerback, but Blake Fisher is starting in place of the injured Tytus Howard.

Third-round pick Calen Bullock will take over for the Ward opposite veteran Eric Murray for the rest of the afternoon.

The Texans (3-1) currently lead 20-10 over the Bills (3-1) entering the fourth quarter.

Watch: Texans safety Eric Murray records massive sack vs. Jaguars

Houston Texans safety Eric Murray brought down Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on third down to get the defense off the field.

Houston Texans head coach and defensive play-caller DeMeco Ryans had brought the heat on third down all afternoon against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Safety Eric Murray rewarded him with his first sack of the season to get the defense off the field.

Murray came virtually untouched off the left side as Houston had more pass rushers than Jacksonville blockers, dropping Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence for a 14-yard loss.

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1840464853300863397 

Houston tried a similar blitz on the previous third down, but Lawrence was able to connect with rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for the conversion.

Thomas drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that deducted 15 yards to make it a net gain of four yards.

The sack was the first of the game for the Texans, which entered the contest with the third-most sacks after three games.

It was also Murray’s first sack of the season and his first since the 2020 season.

Murray, who was losing snaps to rookie Calen Bullock, has seen extended time on the field in the absence of veteran Jimmie Ward.