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Bucs’ Ward glad to be back, eager for rematch with brother Terron

Bucs safety has missed last two games with a concussion but is cleared to return Monday against Falcons.
 
Bucs safety T.J. Ward, shown against Minnesota earlier this season, will have a chance to play against his brother Terron, a Falcons running back, on Monday night.
(LOREN ELLIOTT | TIMES)
Bucs safety T.J. Ward, shown against Minnesota earlier this season, will have a chance to play against his brother Terron, a Falcons running back, on Monday night. (LOREN ELLIOTT | TIMES)
Published Dec. 16, 2017

Bucs safety T.J. Ward will make a healthy return Monday after missing two games with a concussion, and it's also a chance to face his brother Terron, a running back with the Falcons.

"Our whole family's going to be there, rooting us on," T.J. said after Saturday's practice. "There's nothing like Monday Night Football to have the family together."

T.J., 31, and Terron, 25, faced each other three weeks ago in Atlanta, but T.J. was limited to 33 plays before leaving with the concussion. Terron had seven carries for 35 yards as the No. 2 running back, but the two weren't on the field together much, so T.J. is still waiting for his first brotherly tackle.

"It was exciting last time. We didn't get much action against each other," T.J. said. "It's just as exciting, maybe even more, because he's going to get the opportunity again."

The Falcons, who were without Devonta Freeman in the first Bucs game, will be without Tevin Coleman on Monday, so Ward will again be their No. 2 running back. T.J., who has 29 tackles in nine games with the Bucs this year, is grateful to be healthy again after being sidelined.

"It feels great. This is what I love to do," he said. "Being back out here is all I can ask for."