T.J. Ward is added to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad
By Jim Koch
Injuries at the safety position have prompted the Arizona Cardinals to add the two-time Pro Bowler to the practice squad
Over the past three weeks, the Arizona Cardinals have taken quite a hit at the safety spot. Starters Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson, along with number-one backup Chris Banjo, have all been sidelined with injuries. On Thursday, Arizona’s front office made an acquisition to help strengthen the depth at the position.
T.J. Ward, a veteran of eight NFL campaigns, was added to the Cards practice squad. The 33-year old has been out of the league since 2017, when he played one season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before that, Ward had suited up for the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, and had been voted to two Pro Bowls.
Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph indicated that the signing of Ward was a “move that was made more for the future”. For now, second-year pro Deionte Thompson and journeyman Curtis Riley will be the team’s starters when Arizona visits the Carolina Panthers this coming Sunday.
Ward was a second-round draft pick of the Browns back in 2010. The former University of Oregon product racked up 342 tackles, five interceptions, 22 passes defensed and 3.5 sacks in 54 career starts for Cleveland. Ward represented the “Dawg Pound” in the Pro Bowl, after totaling 112 tackles, two picks, five pass breakups and a touchdown in 2013.
After four years with the Browns, Ward joined the Broncos in 2014. The 5’10, 200 pounder was voted to his second consecutive Pro Bowl following his first campaign with the franchise. In 41 career appearances, Ward registered 222 tackles, three interceptions,19 passes defensed and five sacks for Denver.
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Ward received a huge endorsement from Cards cornerback Patrick Peterson, who was a teammate of the safety at the 2014 Pro Bowl. “I believe he definitely still has a lot left in the tank to where he can come out here and help this secondary out,” said Peterson. “We’re definitely happy to have him join the secondary, so hopefully we can finish out the season strong, the way we want to.”