28 Terron Ward RB

Ward (neck) isn't expected to play Sunday against the Lions, William McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Ward is tending to a pair of neck and shoulder injuries he suffered in practice this week. Look for rookie Brian Hill to operate as the No. 3 RB in his absence.

Ward sustained neck and shoulder injuries and was a limited participant at practice Thursday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The fact Ward was still a limited participant suggests the injuries aren't overly serious, but his status for Sunday's game against the Lions is unclear. The 25-year-old is mostly a special teams player at this point, and Atlanta's offensive gameplan is unlikely to change much in his absence.

Ward (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game at Chicago.

A limited participant in practice this week, Ward was more or less expected to be available as the third running back due to the absence of fellow reserve Brian Hill (ankle). Having said that, Ward will find snaps difficult to come by unless an injury befalls Devonta Freeman or Tevin Coleman.

Ward (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Chicago.

Locked in as the No. 3 running back, Ward was limited at practice throughout the week. He typically didn't get any carries last season when both Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman were healthy, which is the case heading into Week 1.

Ward (hamstring) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Still locked in as Atlanta's No. 3 back, Ward had a busy preseason and turned 30 carries into 113 yards and two scores. He won't have a significant role on offense unless Devonta Freeman or Tevin Coleman suffers an injury.