Who Should I Start? Jonathan Ward or Jaret Patterson

Thursday, June 19, 3:13 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran running back Jonathan Ward on Thursday, the team announced on X. After signing with the organization last offseason, Ward spent the 2024 campaign rotating between the active roster and the practice squad. He appeared in four contests, totaling five carries for 22 yards. The undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Central Michigan has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Steelers during his five-year NFL career, compiling 91 rushing yards and 52 receiving yards with one total touchdown. The 27-year-old could find his way on an active roster for another team, but he'll likely have to make his mark on special teams.

Monday, October 27, 6:48 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson was elevated from the practice squad for Thursday night's 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings and served as the primary backup to Kimani Vidal. Patterson ran the ball 11 times for 30 yards (2.7 YPC), showing effort but little ability to break tackles. The Chargers ran the ball 43 times overall, relying heavily on Vidal as they controlled the game. With Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) sidelined and Nyheim Hines seeing limited snaps, Patterson may get another opportunity in Week 9 against a struggling Tennessee Titans defense. Patterson's value depends on whether he's elevated again, as the team will need to make a roster decision soon with multiple injured backs. The 25-year-old played college football for the Buffalo Bulls before signing with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He rushed for 1,072 yards in just six games with the Bulls and had a 409-yard, eight-touchdown game against Kent State during his junior year.