The Vikings dropped some news Wednesday, signing veteran outside linebacker Jihad Ward to their practice squad. This isn’t any ordinary practice squad addition, folks. This is a player with serious recent production, making this move one to definitely watch.
Recent Impact Speaks Volumes
Last year, Ward was starting 12 games for the Titans, putting up numbers you’d expect from a roster guy, not someone on the scout team. He racked up 31 tackles, five crucial sacks, and a whopping 22 quarterback hits for Tennessee. Those aren’t backup stats, you know? It’s clear the Vikings want that kind of heat available, especially after bringing in Kyle Van Noy for the practice squad earlier this month too. They’re clearly stacking up veteran presence with experience.
A Resume Built on Toughness
Ward’s got history that backs up his recent play. He was a second-round pick way back in 2016 for the Raiders. Since then, he’s bounced around, playing for the Colts, Ravens, Jaguars, and Giants, showing that kind of durability and experience across multiple schemes. His career totals speak volumes about his consistent play, too: 199 tackles, 24 sacks, three forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. That’s a resume built on consistent toughness.
So, what does this mean for the Vikings? It means they’ve added serious, proven depth at outside linebacker. You do not often get that kind of production on the practice squad. Keep an eye on Ward, because with those stats, it feels like it is only a matter of time before he is elevated to the active roster. This is a smart, low-risk move that could pay off big time for them.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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