Browns CB Denzel Ward Suffers Injury In Practice Ahead Of Playoff Game

Ward suffered a knee injury and was a limited participant in the Browns’ final practice before they face the Texans in the playoffs

The Cleveland Browns are dealing with some ill-timed injury news to one of their top defensive players after their final day of practice Thursday before heading to Houston for their first playoff game.

Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward suffered a knee injury and was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. He was given a questionable designation for the Browns’ Wild Card Round playoff game against the Texans.

“It’s just something with his knee,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He was limited. I really don’t have an update past that.”

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Ward "is OK."

Ward has been perhaps the most reliable player in the Browns secondary this season, totaling 11 pass breakups — the sixth-straight season he’s eclipsed double digits — and two interceptions.

Nov 5, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates his broken up pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown (2) during the third quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Any sort of absence from Ward would be a blow to a Browns defense preparing to face rookie sensation C.J. Stroud, who quarterbacked the Texans to the playoffs and established immediate chemistry with top receiver Nico Collins. As the top cornerback in the secondary, Ward will likely see ample action against Collins — who finished eighth in the league with 1,297 receiving yards — if he’s healthy enough to play.

The Browns are at their best with Ward, but Greg Newsome II and M.J. Emerson Jr. have also been highly effective in coverage this season, too, and could fill the gap if Ward is sidelined. Newsome has primarily handled slot duties this season while Emerson leads the defense with four interceptions. Both players are tied for the team lead with 14 pass breakups.