51 Jihad Ward DE

Ward (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Friday.

Ward has been placed on injured reserve after suffering ligament damage to his left ankle during a win over the Bills in Week 7, and the third-year defensive tackle will focus his efforts on recovering for the 2019 season. Hassan Ridgeway will serve as the primary backup to Denico Autry for the rest of the season.

Ward (ankle) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

Ward never had a chance to play Sunday after sustaining ligament damage in his left ankle during Indianapolis' win over the Bills in Week 7. The 24-year-old had earned a key rotational role in the Colts' defense, but appears to be facing an extended absence from the field. Hassan Ridgeway should benefit from an increased defensive role in Ward's absence going forward.

Ward revealed Tuesday that he sustained a severe left ankle injury in Sunday's win over the Bills, Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Ward was unable to return after exiting with the injury, which he suggested involved damage to both his "bones and ligaments." It's a disappointing setback for the Ward, who had made an impression in a rotational role with three sacks in six games. The 24-year-old seems likely to be placed on injured reserve in the coming days, though the Colts haven't announced their plans just yet.

Ward (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Bills, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Previous suspicions were confirmed once Ward was officially ruled out. The Colts will likely provide a more clear timeframe for a return following the contest. As for now, Grover Stewart figures to assume Ward's role.

Ward was carted off the field during Sunday's game against the Bills, Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

The nature of the injury is still unknown, but it's unlikely Ward will return following the need of a medical cart. More details regarding the severity of Ward's injury should emerge as the game progresses.