Jimmie Ward was limited to ten games this season due to multiple injuries. He missed the first two games because of a hip injury. He returned to action in Week 3 and started the next six games.

Ward suffered a hamstring injury in Week 9 and missed the next three weeks. He recovered from the hamstring injury and returned to the lineup in Week 13.

Ward exited Week 15 with a concussion. He cleared the concussion protocol and played in Week 16.

Ward exited Week 16 with a strained quadriceps and will miss the remainder of the 2023 season.

How did Ward do in the ten games?

Ward was having a solid season. He had 50 tackles, one interception, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He went 28/34 for 351 yards and a passer rating of 97.4 in coverage.

Who will be his replacement?

The safety that will fill in for the injured Ward hasn’t been announced but it will likely be DeAndre Houston-Carson.

Houston-Carson started in the absence of Ward in Weeks 9-11. He also filled in for him when he exited Week 15 with a concussion and when he exited Week 16 with a quadriceps injury.

Houston-Carson has 30 tackles, one for a loss, two interceptions, and four pass deflections. He is 11/17 for 142 yards, one passing touchdown, and a 70.8 passer rating allowed in coverage.

Other safeties that could be in the starting mix include Adrian Amos and Kareem Jackson.

The defense was banged up in Week 16

Two defensive starters were inactive, and three (including Ward) exited Week 16 due to injury. Blake Cashman was inactive due to a strained hamstring, and Will Anderson Jr. was inactive due to a high ankle sprain.

Jonathan Greenard exited the game with an ankle injury and didn’t return, and Steven Nelson suffered a foot injury but finished the game.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t use injuries as an excuse for their Week 16 loss:

“We lost guys in the game, and of course, injuries suck for everybody, it happens. But, at the end of the day, there’s a game to be played. The game isn’t going to stop just because we have injuries. So, for us, and my mindset of how we attack it is whoever steps in, just do your job.”

The Houston Texans are fighting for a playoff spot.

The Houston Texans are 3rd in the AFC South with an 8-7 record and are 8th in the AFC Playoff Picture.

They play at home against the Tennessee Titans and on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. If Houston wins out, they will be in the playoffs.