Broncos safety T.J. Ward suspended one game

Denver's quest for a Super Bowl title will open without the services of safety T.J. Ward.

The Broncosannounced Thursday that Ward has been suspended for the first game of the 2015 regular season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Per the team, Ward's suspension stems from misdemeanor charges dating back to an incident from May 2014. Those charges were later dropped.

The hard-hitting Broncos backstop will miss the opener against the Baltimore Ravens, but is eligible to return for Denver's Week 2 tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ward earned a Pro Bowl nod last season, but we chalk that up to name recognition. He struggled at times, finishing as the league's 131st-ranked safety out of 170 eligible players, per Pro Football Focus. Ward tallied two picks, a pair of sacks and 74 combined tackles after signing a four-year, $22.5 million deal.

Seventh-year safety David Bruton figures to take Ward's spot in the lineup for a defense still filled with talent.