Texans Safety Jimmie Ward Removed From Commissioner Exempt List After Grand Jury Declines Indictment

Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward is nearing a return to the field after making significant progress recovering from offseason foot surgeries and being removed from the NFL's Commissioner Exempt List following a grand jury's decision not to indict him on a domestic violence charge. Despite ongoing NFL investigation under the Personal Conduct Policy, Ward has been placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, allowing him to resume team activities and practices soon. Ward had been sidelined since the start of the 2025 season due to his injury and legal issues, missing the first three games while on paid leave. His return is expected to bolster the Texans' secondary after the team recently released starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Ward was a key defensive player in 2024 before his injury, recording 48 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games. Meanwhile, the Texans have been managing their safety lineup with veterans Bullock and M.J. Stewart during Ward's absence.