EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have returned a familiar face to the locker room.

Minnesota signed outside linebacker Jihad Ward to its practice squad, the team announced Wednesday.

Ward spent the 2024 season with the Vikings, during which he played in all 17 games (two starts) and logged 1.0 sack, 10 tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass defensed. He also recorded 14 QB hits, a career-high that stood until last season with Tennessee when he recorded 22 in 12 starts for the Titans.

Ward is well-versed in Brian Flores' defense and adds depth to Minnesota's front. He is the third veteran defender recently signed by the Vikings, joining Kyle Van Noy — who also joined the practice squad — and Harrison Smith, whose 15^th season in Purple will open when the Vikings host the Packers at 3:25 p.m. (CT) Sunday.

With Tennessee, Ward matched his previous season high (2023) of 5.0 sacks and added 31 tackles, four tackles for loss and four passes defensed.

Originally a 2016 second-round draft pick out of Illinois by the Raiders, Ward started 13 games as a rookie. In addition to the Raiders, Vikings and Titans, the 32-year-old has played for the Colts, Ravens, Jaguars and Giants.

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