Cleveland Browns’ Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward faced a setback as he suffered a knee injury during the team’s final practice before heading to Houston for their upcoming playoff game. Despite the injury, Ward participated in Thursday’s practice on a limited basis, earning a questionable designation for the Browns’ Wild Card Round against the Texans. Head coach Kevin Stefanski provided minimal details on the nature of Ward’s knee issue, leaving uncertainty about his availability.
Ward has been a cornerstone of the Browns’ secondary this season, showcasing reliability with 11 pass breakups and two interceptions. His potential absence is concerning as the Browns gear up to defend against the Texans’ rookie sensation C.J. Stroud, who led his team to the playoffs with a strong connection to top receiver Nico Collins.
If Ward is unable to play, the Browns may face challenges in containing Collins, who finished eighth in the league with 1,297 receiving yards. Despite the potential setback, the Browns have alternative options in Greg Newsome II and M.J. Emerson Jr., both of whom have demonstrated effectiveness in coverage throughout the season. Newsome has excelled in slot duties, while Emerson leads the defense with four interceptions and shares the team lead with 14 pass breakups.
Although Ward’s presence is pivotal for the Browns, the team can still rely on the capabilities of Newsome and Emerson to step up and fill the void if necessary. The outcome of Ward’s injury and his availability for the crucial playoff game remain uncertain.
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