The Tennessee Titans elevated running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad to the active roster. Players can be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for three games a season without having to clear waivers.
The Tennessee Titans practice squad running back played college ball at Central Michigan.
Ward committed to play college football at Central Michigan for the 2016 season. Ward had 2,544 yards on 474 carries and 28 touchdowns. He also had 98 receptions for 909 yards and nine touchdowns in four seasons with Central Michigan. Ward declared for the 2020 draft.
The 2020 draft.
Ward went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Arizona Cardinals signed Ward as an undrafted free agent on April 25, 2020. Arizona released him on September 5. Arizona re-signed Ward to the practice squad before the season. Arizona elevated him to the active roster on September 26, and made his debut the next day.
Arizona placed him back on the practice squad after his debut. Arizona elevated him for Week 4 and placed him back on the practice squad for the second time. Arizona promoted Ward to the active roster on October 6. Ward scored his first career NFL touchdown on an 11-yard touchdown reception.
Ward made the 53-man roster in his second season. Ward collided with Packers’ kick returner Kylin Hill in Week 8. Kylin Hill suffered a torn ACL, and Ward suffered a concussion. Ward tested positive for COVID-19 on November 30 and missed Week 13. Ward finished the season with 33 rushing yards on nine carries. He also had three receptions for 34 yards. Ward played 58% of special teams snaps.
Ward made the 53-man roster in his third season. He injured his hamstring, and Arizona placed him on injured reserve on October 12. Arizona released Ward on November 22.
Ward had a brief stint with the New York Jets.
The New York Jets signed him to the practice squad on November 29. They ended up releasing him from the practice squad on December 6.
Tennessee signed Ward in 2022.
The Titans signed him to the practice squad on December 14. They promoted him to the active roster on December 29. Ward had 25 rushing yards on five carries and had two receptions for seven yards in three games with the Titans.
Tennessee waived him on August 28, 2023. They re-signed him to the practice squad on October 24.
What will Tennessee do with Ward today?
Since Tennessee has Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears as the top two running backs, don’t expect Jonathan Ward to get any playing time on offense. Expect him to be involved on special teams today. Look out for number 20 on special teams.
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