The Cleveland Browns are hopeful for a rebound year after a disappointing 3-14 season last year.
If that’s going to happen, the team needs some veterans to step up, including cornerback Denzel Ward, who was just named on the NFL’s Top 100 players list at No. 10.
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But the Browns got some bad news on Tuesday, as Ward reportedly went down in one-on-one drills and left the field in obvious pain, per Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.
The 28-year-old enters his eighth season in the league and has made the Pro Bowl in four of those years.
In Pro Football Focus’ rankings earlier this offseason, it noted that health has been a concern for the former No. 4 overall draft pick in 2018.
“Ward is another player who has struggled to stay healthy but, when at full strength, is one of the best in the NFL.
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“In 2024, Ward was on a torrid forced-incompletion-rate pace until he faded at the end of the season. He still led the NFL with 17 forced incompletions, and his 80.4 PFF coverage grade in man and zone-match coverage was tops in the NFL.”
If Ward is forced to miss any time, Troy Brown II would play in his place when the regular season starts on Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.