Ward caught five of his seven targets for 31 yards in Sunday's 27-17 loss to Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Although he didn't end up drawing the start, Ward was due to play a significant role with Alshon Jeffery (foot) and Jalen Reagor (shoulder) banged up. The 25-year-old did just that as he finished in a three-way tie for second on the team in targets. As has been the case for most of his career, most of those targets were short-range, as his longest of play of the day went for 11 yards.

The Eagles list Ward as their No. 3 receiver on the unofficial depth chart that was released Tuesday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ward could be pushed down the depth chart once the Eagles get healthier at receiver, but with Jalen Reagor (upper body) highly unlikely to play and Alshon Jeffery (foot) looking iffy for Sunday's season opener versus Washington, the former University of Houston quarterback should be locked into a starting role to begin the season. Especially if Jeffery joins Reagor on the sideline Week 1, the Eagles will likely make heavy use of two-tight end sets featuring Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, but Ward proved late last season that he could be reliable option in the slot for quarterback Carson Wentz. Over the five games in which he played at least 70 percent of the offensive snaps (including playoffs), Ward totaled 24 receptions for 233 yards and a touchdown on 34 targets.

Coach Doug Pederson said Wednesday that Ward is "in that starting mix" for the Eagles, Martin Frank of The Delaware News Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ward was a pleasant surprise for the Eagles last December, averaging 52.4 yards, 7.5 targets and a 77 percent snap share over the final four games of the regular season. His role was born of necessity after the Philadelphia receiver group was crushed by injuries, but Ward quickly provided an argument that he should have been playing the slot ahead of Nelson Agholor all along. In any case, Agholor is now with the Raiders, and while the Eagles did add a few wideouts in the offseason, they've already seen Marquise Goodwin opt out of the 2020 campaign, while Alshon Jeffery (foot) remains on the PUP list. That leaves Ward, DeSean Jackson and Jalen Reagor as the favorites for snaps and targets in September, albeit with a trio of young prospects in J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, John Hightower and Quez Watkins also hoping to compete. Ward's slot ability could work in his favor in terms of securing a role, but it also means he's more likely to come off the field for multi-tight end formations. Jackson and Reagor both come with more upside.

Ward's roster spot should be secure, according to Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com.

EDGE Analysis

The Eagles drafted three wide receivers and traded for Marquise Goodwin, but they lost Nelson Agholor to the Raiders and have Alshon Jeffery rehabbing from major foot surgery. While Ward isn't likely to reprise his role from the final four weeks of last season -- three-quarters of offensive snaps and 7.5 targets per game -- he could enter training camp as the team's top slot man. Even if he loses that spot, Ward's familiarity with the Philadelphia offense and ability to field punts should help him stick around on the 53-man roster.

Ward secured three of four targets for 24 yards in the Eagles' 17-9 wild-card loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Ward had been the de facto leader of the wideout group over the final three games of the regular season, securing 17 of 21 targets for 175 yards and a touchdown in the absence of Alshon Jeffery (foot) and Nelson Agholor (knee). However, Ward could do no better than third on team in receiving yardage Sunday, although the absence of Carson Wentz (concussion) from the late first quarter on very likely had a part to play in his downturn in production. On the books for just $570,000 in 2020 -- and having built some momentum with his late-season play -- Ward will head into the offseason with an eye on carving out a much bigger role next season.

Ward caught six of seven targets for 43 yards during Sunday's 34-17 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Ward finished Sunday having played 56 of 74 snaps on offense. Not bad for a former college quarterback who made his debut just over a month ago. The Eagles offense is a M.A.S.H. unit heading into Sunday's game against the Seahawks. Depending on the health of Zach Ertz (ribs), Nelson Agholor (knee) and Miles Sanders (ankle), Ward might end up being one of the most familiar faces Carson Wentz has in the wildcard round. He's been clutch in limited opportunities, with at least four catches in five of six games this season.

Ward caught four of five targets for 71 yards in Sunday's 17-9 win over the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

He added one carry for five yards. Ward was the Eagles' most productive wide receiver for the second straight game, and he seems to be earning Carson Wentz's trust with the team poised to win the NFC East and head into the postseason. Ward could be poised for another strong effort in Week 17 against a vulnerable Giants secondary.

Ward caught seven of nine targets for 61 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 37-27 win over Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Ward served as the No. 1 receiver in Philadelphia during Week 15's divisional contest, with Nelson Agholor (knee) out and Alshon Jeffery (foot) on IR. The Houston product translated that opportunity into season-high numbers and the first score of his career. As long as Agholor remains sidelined, Ward figures to continue operating alongside tight ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert as the top three priorities in the Eagles' pass catching corps.

Ward could fill a starting role at receiver Sunday against the Redskins with Alshon Jeffery (foot) moving to injured reserve this week and Nelson Agholor (knee) listed as questionable for the contest, EJ Smith of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Even if Ward doesn't technically start, he'll at least have a regular role in three-receiver sets alongside rookie J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Agholor (health permitting). Considering Agholor didn't practice Wednesday through Friday, he's most likely trending toward a second straight absence, which would leave Arcega-Whiteside, Ward and practice-squad addition Robert Davis as the only available receivers on the roster. While tight ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert will probably rank as the top two priorities in the Eagles' passing attack, Ward has already seen a more pronounced role of late, playing at least 40 percent of the offensive snaps in each of the past three weeks while garnering 19 total targets.

Ward caught four of his nine targets for 34 yards and played a season-high 77 offensive snaps in Monday night's 23-17 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

That Ward got so much playing time should come as no surprise considering he was one of only two healthy Eagles receivers after Alshon Jeffery left with a foot injury. Unfortunately, the former college quarterback wasn't able to do much with the second-highest target total on the team, but he was much more involved than J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, who only saw three chances. With Jeffery now out for the year, Ward's role could continue to grow over the final few games of the season.