CamWard

News: 2 days agoWard completed five of 12 targets for 57 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed once for two yards in the Titans' 19-13 preseason win over the 49ers on Thursday.

Spin: Ward's final line underscores his inconsistent performance as he officially began game preparations for his second season. The 2025 first overall pick played on the Titans' first three drives, and he helped lead Tennessee to a touchdown on its opening possession with a marathon 11-play, 95-yard drive that featured 18- and 16-yard completions to Calvin Ridley and Gunnar Helm, respectively. Those two throws served as the highlights of Ward's night, and he'll aim for more efficiency in his second preseason game on Sunday, Aug. 23 at home against the defending champion Seahawks.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Ward is eyeing a Year 2 leap following an underwhelming rookie campaign, albeit under tough circumstances. The 2025 No. 1 draft pick was plenty busy as a rookie (eighth in the league in dropbacks and pass attempts), but he struggled to 5.9 yards per attempt and took a league-high 55 sacks. Ward was rarely a factor with his legs (more than 12 yards three times) and produced one weekly fantasy finish better than 12th. The good news is that a tough rookie year isn't overly damning for a quarterback's career trajectory, and he'll be in a better spot in 2026 with new playcaller Brian Daboll and an improved supporting cast (Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson join a now-healthy Calvin Ridley). Ward will need to run more to become an elite fantasy option, but Year 2 is the breakout season for many quarterbacks, so he's well worth a late flier.