Giants Release Outside Linebacker Jihad Ward
The Giants signed Ward off Minnesota's practice squad Oct. 1, two days after Brian Burns went on injured reserve. He played 41 defensive snaps over two games and had one tackle in his second stint with the team.
Update, Oct. 20, 5:41 p.m. EDT: The Giants announced Ward's release at 4 p.m. Tuesday. This story, first published as a report of the move, has been updated with the team's announcement and the related moves.
The Giants released outside linebacker Jihad Ward and running back Najee Harris on Tuesday and signed outside linebacker Trace Ford from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Ford had used all three of his practice squad elevations. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Ward's release earlier Tuesday.
The Giants signed Ward off the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad Oct. 1, two days after placing outside linebacker Brian Burns on injured reserve. Ward did not play in the Week 4 win over Arizona. He played 23 defensive snaps in the Week 5 tie at Washington and 18 in the Week 6 loss to New Orleans. His only tackle came against Washington.
Ward was in his second stint with the Giants. He had eight sacks for them across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He spent the 2025 season with Tennessee, where Dennard Wilson, now the Giants' defensive coordinator, ran the defense.
The Giants (3-2-1) play at Houston at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday.