Player Bio
| HT/WT: 6-1, 190 lbs |
| Birthplace: Moultrie, GA |
| Age: 26 |
| School: LSU |
| Experience: 4 |
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2026 Defensive
| STATS |
CMB
Total Tackles
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INT
Interceptions
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TD
Interceptions Returned For Touchdown
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FUM
Forced Fumbles
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SCK
Sacks
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| Regular Season | — | — | — | — | — |
Top Jay Ward News
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Vikings' Jay Ward: Sees preseason action
Ward logged two solo tackles during Saturday's preseason opener against the Giants.
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.
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Vikings' Jay Ward: Enters concussion protocol
Ward was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol Sunday, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
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.
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Vikings' Jay Ward: 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.
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.
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Vikings' Jay Ward: Three tackles in opener
Ward had three total tackles in Monday's win at Chicago.
Ward played on 25 of the defense's 67 snaps as he got more playing time with Harrison Smith out with an illness. Ward will have a reserve safety role and is a key player on special teams.
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Vikings' Jay Ward: Ready for Sunday
Ward (elbow) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.
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.
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Vikings' Jay Ward: Won't play Sunday vs. Cardinals
Ward (elbow) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Arizona.
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 games since the Week 6 bye, and he has logged one solo tackle over that span.
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Vikings' Jay Ward: 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.
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 if he's unable to return Sunday.
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Vikings' Jay Ward: Limited role on defense
Ward had one total tackle and a QB hit in Sunday's win over Houston.
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.
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