Jimmie Ward’s 2024 season will end up like his 2023 one: on the injured reserved.
DeMeco Ryans confirmed on Monday at the Houston Texans defensive back will undergo season-ending foot surgery after being carted off in Saturday’s 27-19 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ward is expected to make a full recovery and should be cleared for offseason workouts. The Texans must make up for his absence on a short week when they take on the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.
#Texans CB Jimmie Ward will miss the rest of the season and will have foot surgery. Per Demeco Ryans
OG Shaq Mason is week to week. pic.twitter.com/rshQWclnT4
— Dylan Delgatto (@DDelgattoNFL) December 23, 2024
Just before halftime, Ward tried to make a tackle on Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt before landing awkwardly on his foot. He was taken back to the locker room for further examination before traveling back with the team.
Ward’s absence might be the biggest hit to the defense because of his position flexibility. Initially starting the season at safety, the veteran defensive back shifted down to the nickel position out of necessity following a season-ending injury to third-year starter Jalen Pitre.
Where do the Texans go from here? There are several options. Rookie Kamari Lassiter was drafted with the intent to start at the nickel position and did see reps this past week inside once Ward went out. Houston would shift former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to the outside opposite Derek Stingley Jr.
DeMeco Ryans says that Tank Dell tore his ACL while dislocating he knee cap and “some other thing there that he’ll have to get repaired”
He also shared Jimmie Ward is out for the year with mid-foot sprain pic.twitter.com/kKbpB7Obfg
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) December 23, 2024
The Texans could also start Myles Bryant inside, leaving Lassiter on the edge to win his one-on-one battles.
Ward ends his 2024 season with 48 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions in 10 games.
Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.