Denzel Ward Clears Protocol, Will Start Against Bengals

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced corner Denzel Ward will start against the Cincinnati Bengals to open the season.

The Cleveland Browns got some positive injury news on Friday when head coach Kevin Stefanski informed reporters that corner Denzel Ward had cleared concussion protocol, enabling him to start in the opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

That provides a lift to the Browns secondary, a group that has had some success against Joe Burrow and the Bengals receivers. Ward along with Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr. can mix and match depending on how defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz wants to deploy them.

Ward has traditionally faced off against Ja'Marr Chase when he's lined up on the outside and Emerson has the size and length to compete with Tee Higgins. Newsome can operate in the slot and potentially pick up Chase from there, but may also face off against Tyler Boyd.

Ward went into concussion protocol after playing in the preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. At full strength, the Browns have the talent necessary to compete against the Bengals receivers.

Safety is another question with Juan Thornhill missing both Thursday and Friday's practices with a calf injury, putting his status for the game in doubt. That would leave Rodney McLeod and Grant Delpit to man the position with Ronnie Hickman the next man up there. The Browns may activate someone like Tanner McCalister from the practice squad for some additional help.

This will be the regular season debut of Schwartz's defense and they want all hands on deck, especially against a divisional opponent. Having Ward will certainly help.