Vikings Bring Back Jihad Ward, Release Offensive Lineman

WHO:

vikings.com - Jihad Ward, a 32-year-old Philadelphia native and versatile veteran, signed with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad.

vikings.com - The Vikings released rookie offensive tackle Tristan Leigh from their practice squad.

Heavy NFL - Minnesota added Ward and cut a young offensive lineman; the article identifies that lineman as 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds but does not name him.

WHAT:

vikings.com - Ward returned to the Vikings for the second time in two months, joining the practice squad after a stint with the New York Giants.

vikings.com - The Giants signed Ward to their 53-man squad roughly three weeks before his return to Minnesota.

vikings.com - Ward appeared in two games for the Giants, recording one tackle on 41 defensive snaps and playing four special-teams snaps.

vikings.com - Ward has played 138 NFL games, started 49, and recorded 200 tackles, 95 quarterback hits, 24 sacks, 12 passes defended, three forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

vikings.com - Ward played all 17 games for Minnesota in 2024, when the team went 14-3; he recorded 14 quarterback hits that season, then had a career-high 22 with Tennessee in 2025.

vikings.com - Ward is nicknamed “Haddy.”

WHERE:

vikings.com - The Vikings are based in Minnesota; the article’s dateline is Eagan, Minnesota.

vikings.com - Ward’s previous team was the New York Giants; he also played for Tennessee in 2025.

WHEN:

vikings.com - Ward signed with Minnesota on a Friday, roughly three weeks after the Giants added him to their 53-man squad.

vikings.com - Ward’s Giants appearances were in Weeks 5 and 6; he played for Minnesota during the 2024 season and Tennessee during the 2025 season.

WHY:

vikings.com - Minnesota released Tristan Leigh to make room for Ward on the practice squad.

HOW:

vikings.com - The Vikings added Ward through a practice-squad signing and made space by releasing a rookie tackle.

Heavy NFL - The article describes Minnesota’s roster move as adding versatile outside linebacker Ward and cutting a 6-foot-4, 312-pound offensive lineman.

The Minnesota Vikings have brought veteran linebacker Jihad Ward back, signing him to their practice squad and releasing rookie offensive tackle Tristan Leigh to make room. It’s Ward’s second stint with Minnesota in two months, following a brief stay with the New York Giants. New York had signed the 32-year-old to its 53-man roster about three weeks earlier, and he appeared in two games, recording one tackle on 41 defensive snaps and playing four snaps on special teams. Ward played all 17 games for Minnesota in 2024, when the Vikings finished with a 14-and-3 record, and logged 14 quarterback hits. In 2025, he recorded a career-high 22 quarterback hits with Tennessee. Across 138 NFL games, Ward has 200 tackles, 24 sacks and 95 quarterback hits, among other career totals. The Philadelphia native, nicknamed “Haddy,” has also started 49 games.