Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward (concussion) has officially cleared concussion protocol ahead of Week 1. The star defensive back missed nearly two weeks of action before returning to practice earlier this week. It sounds like Ward should be able to get ready in time for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. His presence is a huge lift to this Browns secondary, so it's great to hear that he's back ahead of Week 1. The three-time Pro Bowl defensive back has 15 interceptions, 76 passes defended, and 73 tackles during his first six seasons in Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward (concussion) plans to continue playing football despite suffering the fifth concussion of his career earlier this month in training camp. Ward picked up the injury on Aug. 12 during a 1-on-1 drill after hitting his head on the ground, completing an attempted tackle on wide receiver Elijah Moore. The 27-year-old -- who remains in concussion protocol -- was wearing a protective guardian cap during the drill. If he gets cleared for the Browns' home opener against the Dallas Cowboys in two weeks, it will have been nearly a month on the shelf for him. The veteran cornerback is not taking his injury lightly, nor has he with any of his concussions. "I have looked into a few helmets," Ward said. "I'm going to look into it more. I've been talking to the equipment staff...so definitely got to see about getting sized for one and see if I like it, how I feel out there on the field." Ward's return would be a big boost for a Cleveland defensive unit that is also down starting defensive back Greg Newsome II after he underwent hamstring surgery a week before training camp.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) remains in the concussion protocol more than a week after sustaining his head injury during an Aug. 12 practice. Ward has yet to return to practice, and Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Wednesday that he was diagnosed with a concussion. This marks Ward's fifth documented concussion since being drafted by the Browns in 2018. Last season, Ward played 13 games, recording 34 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and 11 defended passes. Recovery from a concussion involves rest and time, with no specific treatment to hasten healing. While Ward is sidelined, expect Cameron Mitchell and Tony Brown to see increased roles with the Browns' first-team defense. The Cleveland Browns defense is highly regarded for 2024 and could be a valuable late-round fantasy pick, though losing Ward would be a significant setback.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (knee) is expected to play in Saturday's wild-card playoff game against the Houston Texans despite injuring his knee in practice on Thursday. Ward was listed as questionable on the final injury report, but he is set to play, which will be a big boost to a Cleveland secondary that will be missing star safety Grant Delpit (groin). The 26-year-old Ward and the Browns defense has a tough challenge on their hands to try and slow down impressive rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and receiver Nico Collins on the road, but they have the personnel to get it done, especially now that Ward should be active. The Browns defense/special teams unit ranked seventh all year in total fantasy points and should be a popular DFS lineup option for wild-card weekend.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder) is officially active for the Week 15 contest on Sunday against the visiting Chicago Bears. Ward hurt his shoulder in Week 11 and was forced to miss the last three games, but he'll be returning this weekend to help a beat up Browns defense. The 26-year-old's return boosts Cleveland's secondary and will make life much harder on Bears top wideout DJ Moore. Despite the fact that the Browns defense hasn't been the lockdown unit that they were earlier in the year when they were fully healthy, they still deserve to be started in all fantasy leagues in a matchup against Chicago at home.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder) is inactive yet again in Week 14 as the team faces the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland's top cornerback will miss his third straight game due to a shoulder injury. With the 26-year-old still sidelined, Martin Emerson and Cameron Mitchell should continue to see more playing time in the Browns' secondary. Cleveland's defense is still strong, but they'll continue to be a bit more vulnerable through the air as they look to slow down Jacksonville's offense. Surprisingly, Lawrence is active for the Jags despite suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 13. The Browns D will have more of a challenge now that they aren't facing backup C.J. Beathard, but they could still put up some decent points in fantasy if they can get to Lawrence in the pocket.
The Cleveland Browns have ruled out cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder) for the Week 12 game in Denver against the Broncos on Sunday. Safety Juan Thornhill (calf) and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (hamstring) are also listed as questionable. The Browns defense remains a must-start in fantasy lineups despite facing a Broncos team looking for their fifth straight win, but it needs to be noted that Cleveland's secondary will be extra vulnerable this weekend. Ward suffered a shoulder injury in the Week 11 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and he could miss more time beyond Week 12. With Ward out against the Broncos, Martin Emerson is expected to start on Sunday.
Cleveland Browns top cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury in the Week 11 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and could miss some time going forward, beginning with this Sunday's game in Denver against the Broncos. The Browns are determining if he'll need to miss multiple games with what could be an injury to his labrum. In addition to Ward missing practice on Wednesday, Grant Delpit (thigh) and Juan Thornhill (calf) also sat out. Safety Rodney McLeod (biceps) has been lost for the season after tearing his biceps in Week 11. If Cleveland doesn't have Delpit and Thornhill this week, they'll be down to second-year pro D'Anthony Bell and rookie Ronnie Hickman at safety, both undrafted players. The Browns defense remains a must-start in fantasy lineups, but they could be very vulnerable in the secondary in Week 12 against Denver.
Denzel Ward, Juan Thornhill Won't Return In Week 10
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (neck) and safety Juan Thornhill (calf) have been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Both players were initially listed as questionable before being downgraded. Ward finishes Week 10 with one tackle and will be replaced by the likes of Martin Emerson and Kahlef Hailassie. Meanwhile, Thornhill notched three tackles and should see most of his vacated snaps go to Rodney McLeod.
Denzel Ward Clears Concussion Protocol, Questionable To Return
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (neck) exited during the first half of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens following a head-to-head collision. He cleared concussion protocol but remains questionable to return. The 26-year-old made one tackle prior to his departure. Look for Kahlef Hailassie and A.J. Green III to earn more snaps in Ward's absence.
