Browns Get Grim News on $100 Million Defender Ahead of Broncos Matchup
The Cleveland Browns will be down star cornerback Denzel Ward on Sunday against the Denver Broncos and he could miss multiple games as he deals with a shoulder injury.
It’s unclear when Ward will take the field again after being ruled out of the Browns’ game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
On November 19, during the victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ward sustained the injury. He just missed a small amount of the game, but according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the organization is evaluating his status moving forward.
Ward’s injury, which may have involved his labrum, was severe. Naturally, they’re hope he won’t be absent for a long time, Cabot wrote on November 24.
“We’ll see,” was Kevin Stefanski, the head coach of the Browns, answer when asked how likely it was that Ward would miss several games.
It’s bad news for Ward, who has struggled to stay active throughout his career. Over his six NFL seasons, he has never completed a complete season due to several game absences due to various injuries.
In 2022, Ward became the highest paid cornerback in the league when he inked a $100.5 million agreement with the Browns. Under the deal, he received a guarantee of $71.25 million and will be associated with the Browns through the 2027 season.
Marquise Goodwin, a wide receiver, was also ruled out of the game by the Browns. The seasoned wide receiver is recovering from a concussion.
Browns Lost Safety Rodney McLeod for Season
In addition to Ward, the Browns secondary is also struggling with a number of injuries. The team recently ruled out veteran safety Rodney McLeod for the season with a biceps injury.
This season, McLeod had 10 appearances, five of which were starts. He had one pass defensed and 23 tackles. In May, as a free agent, the 12-year veteran signed with the Browns.
Following the announcement, McLeod wrote, “Disappointment, frustration, and anger are all valid emotions as my 2023 season comes to an end.” “Yet, I am appreciative of this time of thanksgiving to consider the blessings God has given me throughout my 12-year career.”
This week, the Browns did receive some encouraging news: Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill will both be making limited comeback to practice. Due to a calf ailment, Thornhill has missed two games, and Delpit was sidelined due to a thigh problem following Sunday’s victory.
Browns Have Overcome Injuries All Over the Field
The Browns’ season has revolved heavily on injuries, mostly on the offensive end when the team lost Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb. Greg Newsome, a cornerback, claims that the team has depended on “brotherhood” to get through difficult times.
It demonstrates the team’s resilience as well as that of the offense, Newsome remarked on November 20. “I think we kind of stop differentiating between offensive and defense when we’re all together as one. We simply figure it out. We’ve also seen that we’ve lost a number of outstanding players this season, but I believe it’s just a testament to the brotherhood we had in the offseason.
Mike Ford Jr. will take over at cornerback in Ward’s absence, with Newsome and Martin Emerson Jr. occupying the outside slots.
