T.J. Ward

Ward was on likely on his way to another Pro Bowl before he injured his ankle early Nov. 29 against the New England Patriots. He has played the “Swiss army knife” role of the defense all year. He has improved in coverage, played well as a nickel linebacker and been all over the field. He is third on the Broncos defense with 61 total tackles despite missing nearly five whole games. Longtime NFL coach Wade Phillips is certainly excited to get him back in the mix Sunday, calling him a “heat-seeking missile” Wednesday.

Ward will be tasked with helping cover Big Ben’s longtime target Health Miller, while also making sure the Steelers don’t get their rushing attack going. Last week the Steelers ran the ball 29 times to the tune of 167 yards, 5.8 per carry with third and fourth string running backs Jordan Todman and Fitzgerald Toussaint. Stopping them this week, with the injuries to Antonio Brown (ruled out Friday) and DeAngelo Williams (ruled out Friday), will be monumental and will fall in part on Ward’s shoulders. Still, Ward is not concerning himself with the injury reports.

“We’re playing the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’re going to get everything we have. We’re not worried about individuals coming in hurt, maybe hurt or that may play. We’re getting ready for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whoever plays, they’re going to get 100 percent of the Broncos’ D.”

Ward was eased back into the Week 16 meeting with the Bengals and then was full go in the regular season finale versus the Chargers. He was glad to get back into the groove of playing before the playoffs hit.

“It felt great to get out there, first and foremost. I’m not just jumping right into the playoffs off an ankle, I’m got a couple games under me to get back into game conditioning, just that wear and tear,” he said Jan. 7.

The Broncos will have a big edge in talent Sunday, mostly due to injuries, when the two teams meet but anything can happen in the playoffs. Several Broncos players admitted to downplaying their playoff opponent (Indianapolis) last year before being ousted by them at home. This time, with the top-ranked defense in the NFL, Ward knows the opportunity they have Sunday. When asked what the defensive rankings and accolades would mean without a championship his answer was clear.

“It doesn’t mean much if you’re not toting that trophy at the end of the year.” He said. “When it is all said and done, hopefully we can be No. 1 and have that championship.”

His addition to the rematch Sunday will be large step in the right direction of that coveted trophy.

Email Sam at sam@milehighsports.com and follow him on Twitter @SamCowhick.