Browns CB Denzel Ward’s status in doubt heading into Week 1

Cleveland Browns will kick off their season in just a few days but there is a decent worry going into the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cornerback Denzel Ward did not practice on Monday, as he remains in the concussion protocol, where he’s been since the last preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. There […]

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer

Sep 5, 2023 8:15 AM EDT

Cleveland Browns will kick off their season in just a few days but there is a decent worry going into the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cornerback Denzel Ward did not practice on Monday, as he remains in the concussion protocol, where he’s been since the last preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

There is still time for Ward to return to practice in time to play Week 1, but his status is very much in doubt.

As has been written about before, the future of Ward and his health is a worry. Since being drafted in 2018, Ward has now suffered his fourth concussion. Four concussions in six years is no joke and there should be some worry about Ward — you don’t have to be a medical professional to see that.

Ward is undoubtedly Cleveland’s top cornerback and his presence is needed against the fleet of wide receivers that the Bengals deploy, along with a top quarterback in Joe Burrow. Ja’Marr Chase will likely line up across from Ward, which would have allowed a bigger, more physical Martin Emerson Jr. to matchup with Tee Higgins.

If Ward is unable to go, Greg Newsome II may be the guy who matches up with Chase, keeping Emerson’s attention on Higgins.

Either way, it is something that will be closely monitored this week as Week 1 approaches. At some point, you worry about Ward’s health and well-being outside of football, which ultimately comes far beyond everything else. Ward missed multiple games in 2022 with a concussion, it was his most previous one.

Cleveland’s defense takes a hit without Ward. Of course, the pass rush should help negate that with all of the resources that have been invested along the defensive line, but there is nothing that replaces your No. 1 cornerback.