HOUSTON – Texans veteran safety Jimmie Ward aggravated a preexisting groin injury badly enough that he’s expected to miss at least Sunday’s road game against the New England Patriots, if not longer, according to league sources.
Ward initially suffered a shoulder stinger on the first play of the game last week against the Buffalo Bills. After he went back into the game, the team captain injured the groin injury that prevented him from playing the previous week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Imaging confirmed the damage sustained and Ward hasn’t been able to practice this week. He’ll be replaced in the lineup by rookie Calen Bullock.
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Ward, 33, has played in four games this season and recorded 17 tackles, one for a loss with one pass defensed.
Ward’s contract was extended by one year through the 2025 season at the start of the season.
It’s a one-year, $10.508 million contract extension.
The contract, which includes a $5.25 million signing bonus, $8.75 million total guaranteed, a fully guaranteed $1.5 million base salary this year and $2.75 million in 2025 with $2 million of it guaranteed for skill, injury and salary cap, ensures the hard-hitting defensive back will be with the defending AFC South champions for a third year next season.
Ward originally signed a two-year, $14.5 million maximum value contract as a free agent a year ago to join the Texans that included a $4 million signing bonus and $8.5 million total guaranteed.
Ward, is a former 49ers first-round draft pick from Northern Illinois.
He played in 10 games last season for the Texans and recorded 50 tackles and one interception before being placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
For his career, Ward has recorded 518 career tackles, eight interceptions, six forced fumbles, two defensive touchdowns, two fumble recoveries, 12 tackles for losses and five quarterback hits with 48 passes defensed.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.
