T.J. Ward Injury: Updates on Broncos Star's Neck and Return

The Denver Broncos secondary just took a step back after safety T.J. Ward suffered a neck injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. Ward has been diagnosed with a neck strain and is active vs. the Colts.

Continue for updates.

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Ward Active vs. Colts

Sunday, Jan. 11

T.J. Ward is active for Denver's game vs. Indianapolis, via Lindsay Jones of USA Today:

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Ward Probable vs. Colts

Friday, Jan. 9

Lindsay Jones of USA Today has the latest on Broncos injuries. Ward is among those probable players who are not named:

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Ward Practicing With Broncos

Monday, Jan. 5

The Denver Post passed along an update on T.J. Ward's status as he prepares for the team's game vs. Indianapolis:

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Ward Out for Week 17

Sunday, Dec. 28

Michelle Tuckner of Fox 31 confirmed that T.J. Ward is out for Denver's game vs. Oakland.

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Ward Questionable for Week 17

Friday, Dec. 26

Mike Klis of The Denver Post has the latest on Ward:

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Ward Returns to Practice in Limited Capacity

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com provides an update on Ward's status:

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Safety T.J. Ward returned to practice on a limited basis as the Broncos began their preparations for the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday.

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Ward Has Neck Strain, MRI Doesn't Reveal Serious Ailment 

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post provides an update on Ward's status from head coach John Fox:

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Ward Leaves Game With Neck Injury

Monday, Dec. 22

Renck initially had the news:

Arran Andersen of KMGH-TV in Denver took a picture of the scene with Ward's teammates huddled around him:

Renck provided an update on Ward after the loss: 

Ward commented on the injury, via Renck:

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“I’d rather not talk about all that until I have more tests (Tuesday),” said Ward, who was able to walk off the field and traveled back to Denver with the team. “I appreciate all of the concern.”

Ward underwent X-Rays at the stadium, and they were negative. He has experienced several “stingers” while playing professionally.

“This was different than that,” said Ward, who finished with a team-high nine tackles.

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The Super Bowl exposed the Broncos defense in a big way last year. Russell Wilson completed 18 of 25 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns in the Seattle Seahawks' 43-8 demolition of the AFC's top team.

As a result, Denver went out and signed Ward and cornerback Aqib Talib. The former Browns safety arrived on a four-year, $23 million deal, which boasted $14 million in guarantees. Ward was arguably the best safety available on the free-agent market behind Jairus Byrd.

Ward's immediately become a key figure in the Denver secondary, whether it's dropping into pass coverage, stopping the run or blitzing the quarterback.

He can't take sole responsibility for the Broncos becoming one of the best defensive teams in the NFL, but he's certainly been one of the reasons for the improvement.

The Denver defense will obviously be slightly worse if Ward misses time, but his absence is unlikely to have a demonstrable impact on the team. The Broncos should continue to be one of the best teams in the AFC.