Overview

• In his first NFL action, Ward completed 5 of 8 passes for 67 yards and posted an 89.1 passer rating in Tennessee’s 29-7 preseason loss to Tampa Bay.
• Coach Brian Callahan called the outing encouraging but stressed that Ward still needs faster releases, improved timing and refined pocket footwork.
• Ward connected with Calvin Ridley three times on an 11-play, 75-yard drive that set up a Tony Pollard touchdown.
• Analyst Dan Orlovsky praised Ward’s processing and arm talent while flagging mechanical flaws, including back-foot throws and a near-interception.
• Elevated to the de facto starter after Will Levis’s season-ending injury, Ward faces heightened scrutiny in his development before Week 1 against Denver.