The Cleveland Browns could be shorthanded in the secondary during Saturday’s battle with the Houston Texans. Per multiple sources, star cornerback Denzel Ward hurt his knee during Thursday’s practice, jeopardizing his status for this weekend’s playoff game.
#Browns star CB Denzel Ward suffered a knee injury at practice today and is now questionable for Saturday’s game.
HC Kevin Stefanski said it’s unclear if he’ll be ready in time. pic.twitter.com/wIpTWWlm8A
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) January 11, 2024
Nickelback Greg Newsome spoke about the injury post-practice, saying the team will be ready if Ward can’t play. Backup corner Mike Ford, who primarily plays special teams, missed the regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. His status is worth monitoring.
Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward: Posted Pro Bowl Season
Ward appeared in 13 games this season, tallying 34 tackles, 11 passes defended, and two interceptions. Ward earned his third Pro Bowl nod this season. His best game came against the Indianapolis Colts in late October, intercepting quarterback Gardner Minshew II early in the third quarter of an eventual 39-38 win. The Ohio State product added four tackles. The Browns selected Ward with the fourth pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He has registered 273 tackles, 15 interceptions, and four defensive touchdowns during his three-time Pro Bowl career.
Cleveland Browns: Plans if Ward Sits
The Cleveland Browns have Martin Emerson Jr. and Greg Newsome II at the other starting cornerback positions opposite Ward. Emerson has four interceptions this season, while Newsome has tallied 49 tackles and a pick-six. Per Ourlads, the Browns have Cameron Mitchell, Mike Ford, and Kahlef Hailassie listed as the backup corners.
Mike Ford missed last weekend’s contest against the Bills and has started just one game this season. He has 28 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery this year. Mitchell, a fifth-round pick in last year’s draft, has 18 tackles and two passes defended in 2023. He played his college ball at Northwestern. Meanwhile, fellow rookie Kahlef Hailassie earned his first career start last weekend. He had two tackles and a pass defended.
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