Jimmie

Ward

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Ward has been removed from the Commissioner Exempt List, but the league continues to review the allegations that led to Ward facing a $20 million civil lawsuit based on domestic abuse allegations. Ward has already missed the first three games of the season, and his placement on the reserve/PUP list will not change his roster status heading into Week 4. He is eligible to return after Week 4.

KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson writes that Ward’s case “was no-billed, meaning the grand jury didn’t find probable cause that a criminal offense occurred.” Ward still remains on the commissioner-exempt list and is not eligible to play, as he still faces a $20 million civil lawsuit based on domestic violence allegations from his former fiancée. While his domestic violence case has been dismissed, the league could opt to delay Ward’s return until the lawsuit he’s facing is resolved.

Ward, who is dealing with a felony charge of assaulting a family/house member in June, will not practice or attend games while on the list. Houston will likely give MJ Stewart the snaps that Ward would have received until he is available to play this season. Ward, who had foot surgery this offseason, isn’t ready to practice yet even if he had been allowed to.

Bien-Aime writes that “according to the Montgomery County (Texas) Jail Website, Ward was arrested on a warrant related to a felony offense.” According to Ward’s Lawyer, the Texans safety was arrested “because he tested positive for alcohol in violation of his previous release.” Ward was out on bail for a felony charge of assaulting a family/house member in June and is set to appear before a grand jury on August 31st, per his lawyer. His latest arrest does not come with any new charges, and Ward is expected to be released later on Friday.

The Texans released a statement saying, “We are gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.” Ward was out of practice while recovering from foot surgery he underwent late in the 2024 season. At 33 years old, Ward may have played his last snap in the NFL.

It’s unclear whether he could come back deep into a Texans playoff run, but that doesn’t appear too likely anyway at the moment. Ward, who turns 34, is under contract for the 2025 season and will gain the Texans only $1.25 million in cap space to release next offseason. Ward had a 76.3 PFF coverage grade last year, and though he’s getting long in the tooth, he’s probably a good bet to retain a starting job next year.

He twisted his ankle under his body weight while being blocked by Travis Kelce and immediately hit the ground. Ward was then carted off the field. Myles Bryant replaced Ward. We’d be surprised if Ward returned based on how it looked on the field.

Pierce was ruled out earlier in the week because of his groin injury. The Texans will also be missing Ward due to a groin issue, Patterson with a concussion and Al-Shaair out due to a shoulder injury.

The Texans also ruled out Henry To’oTo’o (concussion) and S Jimmie Ward (groin). Expect the Packers to attack the Texans’ centerfield defense as a result. This defense is currently one to target for fantasy purposes.

The Texans will also be without starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) as well. Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye’s day is made somewhat easier by the news, though he remains a volatile QB2.