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7h ago

Vikings Bring Back Jihad Ward to Practice Squad

The signing supplies Minnesota with a veteran who knows Brian Flores’ system after the NFL blocked a separate practice‑squad deal.

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Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Jihad Ward (52) runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
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Overview

  • Jihad Ward was added to the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad on Sept. 9, 2026, the team announced.
  • Ward joins Kyle Van Noy as a veteran edge option on the practice squad and is valued for his prior work in Brian Flores’ defense.
  • In 2025 with the Tennessee Titans Ward started 12 games, recorded a team‑leading 22 quarterback hits and five sacks, but Pro Football Focus ranked him 110th out of 119 qualifying edge defenders.
  • The move followed the league’s disapproval of the Vikings’ practice‑squad contract for Kenny Dyson Jr., a procedural result of NFL rules about injury settlements.
  • The signing is a short‑term depth move that gives Minnesota an experienced, versatile insurance option who could step into rotation if Andrew Van Ginkel or Dallas Turner miss time.