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

Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward hadn't played since he suffered an ankle injury against the New England Patriots in Week 12. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Ward Active vs. Bengals

Monday, Dec. 28

The Broncos announced Ward is available to play against Cincinnati. 

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Kubiak Comments on Ward's Status

Monday, Nov. 30

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak announced Ward is considered day-to-day. 

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Ward Leaves Locker Room in Boot

Sunday, Nov. 29

Ward was seen using crutches and was wearing a walking boot on his leg after the game, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. 

He will get an MRI tomorrow to gauge the severity of his left ankle injury, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Renck reported the team is "bracing" for Ward to miss time. 

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Ward Essential Piece to Ferocious Broncos D

Ward is a critical member of the Broncos defense. He's provided some much-needed stability in the secondary after being signed last offseason. 

The former Oregon standout racked up 45 tackles, five passes defenses and two forced fumbles in nine games this season prior to Week 12. He has already missed one game this season—the opener against Baltimore due to a suspension for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy. 

Ward has once again been positioned as a key contributor in 2015, especially under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. According to Andrew Mason of the team's official site, the sixth-year veteran has embraced his new role as a versatile weapon opposing offenses must always be cognizant of.

"I love it. I love to be all over the place," Ward said. "I love to make plays from different positions and different areas—move me around, disguise me, play me in coverage."

He's remained mostly healthy since the Cleveland Browns drafted him in the second round of the 2010 draft. The only time he missed more than two games in a season came in 2011, when a nagging foot injury held him to just eight appearances.

David Bruton and Omar Bolden saw additional snaps on defense in his steed.