Texans HC Gary Kubiak revealed Monday that Derrick Ward (ankle) is "pretty close to getting back on the field." Ward did not travel with the Texans to New Orleans in Week 3, but sounds like he could at least put in some practice time this week. He won't be rushed back with Arian Foster appearing near a return and Ben Tate continuing to play at a high rate, however. There's little reason to own Ward in any format.

Derrick Ward (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 3. Ward has a high ankle sprain and will be sidelined indefinitely. When he returns in a few weeks, Ward may find himself fourth on the depth chart behind Ben Tate, Arian Foster, and Steve Slaton. Drop Ward in all fantasy leagues.

Derrick Ward revealed Wednesday that he has a high-ankle sprain. High-ankle sprains usually cost players at least a month. It can often be worse for running backs who rely on consistent hard cuts. We're expecting Ben Tate to start and be backed up Steve Slaton in Sunday's game against the Saints. By the time Ward gets healthy, Arian Foster will likely be back as well. Ward can be dropped in most formats.

Derrick Ward (ankle) missed Texans practice Wednesday. Ward wasn't close to playing in Week 2, perhaps indicating his sprain is of the high-ankle variety. He is not expected to return against the Saints.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle does not expect Derrick Ward (ankle) to play in Week 3 at New Orleans. McClain expects Ben Tate and Steve Slaton to be the Texans' Nos. 1 and 2 running backs if Arian Foster (hamstring) is out. "I don't think (Ward) will play against the Saints," wrote McClain on Twitter Monday. Despite his injury, Ward's fantasy value has actually risen following Foster's latest aggravation. Ward should probably be owned in 12-14 team leagues at this point.

Derrick Ward (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 2. The way things have gone on Friday, it'll be a two-back rotation for Houston on Sunday, with Arian Foster and Ben Tate sharing the early-down carries. Steve Slaton will be in the mix for some passing-down work. Ward threatens to fall to fourth on the depth chart and can be dropped in standard fantasy leagues.

Derrick Ward (ankle) missed practice again on Thursday. He's considered unlikely to practice Friday, which would leave Arian Foster and Ben Tate to handle the backfield work against the Dolphins this week. Ward can be dropped in 12-team leagues with Foster back practicing.

Derrick Ward (ankle) was spotted in a walking boot Wednesday. With Arian Foster (hamstring) nearing a return and Ben Tate coming on strong, Ward is turning into an afterthought. Even if his sprained right ankle is strong enough for him to play Sunday, he's not looking like a fantasy option.

Derrick Ward (ankle) did not participate in Texans practice on Wednesday. Ward's status is getting murkier as Arian Foster's clarifies. If he's not at least limited in tomorrow's practice, he'll be very unlikely to suit up on Sunday against the Dolphins. It won't be an issue for the Texans if Foster continues to make progress toward starting.

Derrick Ward is day-to-day after spraining his ankle in Sunday's win against the Colts. Ward called his exit a precaution on Sunday, and he should be able to go in Week 2 against the Dolphins as long as he's back at practice by Thursday or Friday. His fantasy status is obviously wholly tied to Arian Foster's, and the Texans' lead back is tentatively planning to return to practice on Wednesday.