The Houston Texans have finally received some clarity on the Jimmie Ward situation. On Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that the NFL is removing the Houston safety from the Commissioner Exempt List. This allows Ward to rejoin the team, and the Texans placed him on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as a result.
In June, Ward was arrested on suspicion of third-degree felony domestic violence. A woman alleged that Ward “violently assaulted [her] multiple times, both sexually and physically” in the presence of their three-year-old child. She also alleged that she was “slapped, choked, threatened and forced to perform oral sex” according to an ESPN report.
The case was being reviewed by a Texas grand jury, who declined to indict Ward on September 18.
In August, Ward was arrested again for violating the terms of his previous release conditions, specifically for drinking alcohol, something he claimed he didn’t know wasn’t allowed. He tested positive for alcohol and spent a night in jail.
On August 21, the alleged victim filed a lawsuit against Ward for the actions of his initial arrest. He was placed on the Commissioner Exempt List on August 26 and has missed the first three games of the season. Ward could not practice or attend games while on the Commissioner Exempt List.
The NFL is still investigating the incident in accordance with their Personal Conduct Policy. While Ward is no longer barred from team activities, Pelissero confirms the league could still issue punishment if their investigation finds he violated that policy, as that investigation is not affected by Ward’s change in roster status. This process is separate from official state legal proceedings.
The Houston Texans are Allowing the Legal Proceedings and NFL Investigation Conclude Before Taking Action
Alex Slitz/GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 10: Jimmie Ward #20 of the Houston Texans celebrates a fumble recovery during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at NRG Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Back on the first day of training camp in July, Texans general manager Nick Caserio was asked about Ward’s legal proceedings. “[We’ll] kind of let the legal process take care of itself,” he said.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans gave an almost identical statement after Ward was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List on August 21. “We’ll let the situation play itself out,” said Ryans.
“I know there are a lot of allegations and things with Jimmie,” Ryans added in defense of his player. “We don’t know the true story, and I hate to jump to judgment on any situation with Jimmie. Let whatever has to happen in the court system, let that play out. But I think it’s unfair to rush to judgment when allegations and stories come out on players. Everybody’s quick to jump on it and jump on the negative side with the players. Let’s just allow it to play out.”
The Houston Texans Defense is Playing at an Elite Level
While their offense is struggling, Houston’s defense is playing lights-out football. They are sixth in the league in points allowed per game at just 17, and their secondary is an elite unit.
Adding Ward would only make them that much more formidable, but he still has a ways to go on his own recovery, aside from his legal trouble. He’s still recovering from a foot injury that ended his 2024 season in December.
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