Vikings' Jay Ward: Moves up to bigger role in 2025
Rotowire
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
Rotowire
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
Rotowire
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
Rotowire
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: Limited role on defense
Rotowire
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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Vikings' Jay Ward: Headed to Minnesota
Rotowire
The Vikings selected Ward in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 134th overall.
Harrison Smith is entering his age 34 season, and 2022 first-rounder Lewis Cine is coming off a serious leg injury. This made safety a need, and with it being a light class at that position, the Vikings were able to wait until Day 3 to address it. Ward, a defensive back from LSU, is thin for a safety at 188 pounds, and his speed checks in at 4.55 in the 40. Still, he managed to be a two-year starter at LSU and played well with six career picks. He's a depth option at safety who could be thrust into a role as a rookie.
