Ward’s move to Commissioner’s Exempt List leaves Houston’s back end thin heading into Week 1 against the Rams. The 11-year veteran logged 48 tackles last season and is coming off a knee injury; he’s on PUP and could face league discipline after the NFL investigation. The situation tightens the Texans’ safety depth right away and could lift Calen Bullock into a larger role early.

Bullock is the likely anchor, while CJ Gardner-Johnson’s knee status and rookie Jaylin Smith’s sprain add uncertainty to Week 1. Fantasy managers should watch the Texans’ safety rotation closely, as extra snaps for Bullock and fellow safeties could boost tackle upside in the early games, especially against Los Angeles’s aerial attack.