Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward’s rookie season came to an abrupt end Sunday after he suffered a right shoulder injury early in the team’s 41-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ward was hurt on the opening drive when he dove into the end zone to complete a 7-yard rushing touchdown. He took a hit to his upper body as he crossed the goal line, then headed to the medical tent before walking to the locker room during Jacksonville’s ensuing possession.
Ward did not return for Tennessee’s next offensive series, with backup Brandon Allen taking over under center. Ward was initially listed as questionable before being ruled out prior to the end of the first quarter. He was later seen on the sideline with his right arm in a sling, confirming concerns about a season-ending injury to his throwing shoulder. Jacksonville quickly seized control after Ward’s departure, turning an early 7-0 deficit into a dominant 41-7 victory.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported that Ward suffered an AC joint sprain. Titans interim head coach Mike McCoy said in his postgame press conference that Ward will have more tests once the team is back in Nashville.
The No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, Ward had been the only quarterback in the league to play every offensive snap for his team through Week 17. In total, he logged all 951 of the Titans’ offensive snaps prior to Sunday.
Ward closes his first NFL season having completed 59.8% of his passes for 3,169 yards, with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also contributed as a runner, recording 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 39 carries. Before exiting Sunday’s game, he was a perfect 3-of-3 passing for 52 yards and added two carries for 11 yards and a score.
While Tennessee entered the matchup at 3-13 and already eliminated from playoff contention, the Jaguars had significant postseason implications at stake. The win secured the AFC South title over the Houston Texans and kept Jacksonville alive in the race for the conference’s top seed, pending results elsewhere.
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