Free agent RB Derrick Ward announced his retirement from football on Tuesday. Perhaps best known for his role in the Giants' Earth, Wind and Fire backfield of 2008, Ward parlayed a career-year of 1,025 rushing yards into a four-year, $17 million contract with the Bucs a couple of months later. After washing out in Tampa as a free-agent bust, Ward enjoyed a solid bounce-back season as Arian Foster's backup in Houston only to be bypassed by Ben Tate in 2011. Ward closes out his nine-year career with 2,628 rushing yards and a stout average of 4.8 on 551 carries.

Free agent Derrick Ward said via Twitter that he is going to "take some time off now & c what I want 2 do!" It's been obvious since the season ended that the Texans had no plans to bring Ward back. But Saturday's signing of Justin Forsett was the final nail in the coffin. Ward will be 32 in August and averaged 3.4 yards per carry last season.

The Texans are hoping impending free agent Derrick Ward wants to return as a mentor, according to the Houston Chronicle. Ward was the No. 3 running back behind Arian Foster and Ben Tate in 2011. He'll be 32 in August and is unlikely to find a bigger role elsewhere. The Texans should be able to retain him for the veteran's minimum.

Derrick Ward did not receive a carry in Sunday's loss to the Ravens. Active for the first time since Week 1, Ward watched from the sideline as Arian Foster and Ben Tate combined for 24 carries. It's quite possible Ward wasn't mixed in simply because he's still bothered by his ankle, but there's no question he's now a distant third on the depth chart. He's well off the radar in all formats.

Derrick Ward (ankle) is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Ravens. With Arian Foster and Ben Tate both healthy as well, Ward will be mere insurance. There's no reason to hold the veteran in fantasy formats anymore.

Texans declared RB Derrick Ward, WR Andre Johnson, QB T.J. Yates, CB Sherrick McManis, LB Tim Dobbins, G Thomas Austin, and T Andrew Gardner inactive for Week 5.

Derrick Ward (ankle) returned to Texans practice Friday. It's his first practice since Week 1. Texans coach Gary Kubiak said Friday that Ward and Ben Tate (groin) both "looked pretty good" on the field, and the medical staff will decide whether to activate one of them on game day. Our best guess is that it will be Tate, but it's going to be a game-time-decision.

Derrick Ward (ankle) has still not resumed practicing. Ward suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1, typically a 4-6 week injury. Week 5 would constitute his fourth missed game. Perhaps he'll play in Week 6.

Derrick Ward's recovery from a high-ankle sprain is going more slowly than anticipated. Ward tried to increase his workload during last week's practices, but got "very, very sore," according to coach Gary Kubiak. Even when Ward finally does get healthy, he'll just be the No. 3 running back behind Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Ward should be on waivers in fantasy.

Derrick Ward (ankle) is sitting out practices again this week. Coach Gary Kubiak indicated Monday that Ward was "getting close" to returning, but it's going to be another week. Chris Ogbonnaya will likely dress as the No. 3 running back this week.