Cleveland Browns’ star cornerback Denzel Ward was absent from practice on Monday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
Speaking to reporters, veteran safety Rodney McLeod stated the Browns are “encouraged that” the 2018 first-round pick will be available on Sunday, per Cabot. The Browns open their season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ward was concussed in the Browns’ preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was the fourth reported concussion of his career.
The Ohio State product was drafted fourth overall by the Browns back in 2018, three picks after they selected Baker Mayfield first overall. Ward has emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the game, racking up 13 interceptions, 65 pass defenses and five fumble recoveries in 66 games.
Ward played a pivotal role in helping the Browns end an 18-year playoff drought, and they upset the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round before falling to the Chiefs in the Divisional Round.
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The 5-foot-11 Ward missed three games last season, finishing the year with three interceptions and 15 pass defenses. Teammate Martin Emerson Jr. had a superb rookie year working alongside Ward, and many expect him to break out here in 2023.
If that happens, the league’s best cornerback duo of 2023 may reside in Cleveland. And that would go a long way in helping the club return to the postseason following a three-year absence.
